Chiropractic functional neurology, often referred to as a “living exam,” is a specialized field within neuroscience that focuses on identifying and addressing functional deficiencies in the nervous system to enhance neurological performance. Unlike conventional medical neurology, which relies primarily on imaging to detect structural issues such as tumors or lesions, functional neurology combines advanced biotechnology with in-depth neurological physical examinations to diagnose and treat disorders.
Dr. Devon L. Gaston, DC, MS, DACNB, founder of Passport 2 Health in El Dorado Hills, and her team specialize in managing complex conditions, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), balance disorders, POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), neurodegenerative diseases, and autoimmune disorders. Dr. Gaston shares her expertise in this evolving field, highlighting its transformative impact on patient care.
The Functional Neurology Approach: Bridging the Gap
Functional neurologists use objective testing to comprehensively evaluate the nervous system. Dr. Gaston explains, “If a patient reports dizziness to an ER facility, they are often diagnosed with BPPV, a relatively benign positional vertigo commonly associated with inner ear issues. However, centralized vertigo—brain-based vertigo caused by faulty communication between the brain and sensory systems, which may result from closed head trauma or even post-COVID complications—is frequently overlooked. This type of vertigo is often the result of a ‘sensory mismatch’ between the eyes and ears, where conflicting information is sent to the brain, causing confusion. The outcome can manifest as vertigo, double vision, nausea, or even anxiety.”
Dr. Gaston notes that traditional medical management often involves a referral to an EENT (ear, eye, nose and throat) specialist to evaluate vestibular (balance) function through tests like VNG (videonystagmography). However, many patients never complete the referral process, or their condition is assumed to be self-limiting and managed with exercises like the Epley maneuver. “In our experience, this is rarely the case,” she says, emphasizing the need for a deeper assessment of brain functionality, including individual balance centers.
This comprehensive, multimodal approach allows Dr. Gaston to identify and address the root causes of symptoms rather than treat them in isolation. By leveraging the principles of neuroplasticity, she works to improve the brain’s communication with itself, the body’s organ systems, and even an individual’s perceptions and interactions with the external world.
A Personal Journey into Functional Neurology
Dr. Gaston’s passion for functional neurology stems from her own life-altering experience. In 2013, while studying in her last quarter of chiropractic medicine, she suffered a severe head injury and undiagnosed stroke following a freak accident, passing out in her bathroom. Conventional medical care failed to provide answers (or adequate care), leaving her with debilitating symptoms including double vision, balance issues, and coordination problems. She was unable to drive for almost a year post injury.
Through intense functional neurological therapy with Dr. Ellis, now a board member of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board (ACNB.org), the governing body for accreditation for functional neurology, Dr. Gaston recovered and passed her licensing exams. “I underwent eight weeks of therapy, four hours a day, four days a week leading up to the two eight-hour day tests,” she recalls. “It was grueling, but it saved my life.” Experiencing her own incredible results from this approach was empowering. It allowed her to go from barely functioning to inspiring her to dedicate her career to helping others overcome similar challenges.
Functional Neurology and Traumatic Brain Injuries
When treating mild TBIs (mTBI), “conventional neurology often relies on imaging like MRI, which typically fails to detect most closed head trauma or functional neurological impairments unless utilizing more advanced imaging (such as MRI with DTI or SPECT imaging), which is generally not available to most people outside of medical or research arenas,” shares Dr. Gaston. Advanced objective balance, oculomotor skills, and even the ability to have rhythm (known as neural timing) are all indicators of neurological health, and evaluation of these is useful in the detection and grading of traumatic brain injuries.
Dr. Gaston explains, “Head trauma is multidimensional. Symptoms can include vision changes, ringing in the ears, dizziness, and headaches, depression, anxiety, light and/or sound sensitivity, fatigue, disorientation, problems with focusing, working, or driving. There are systemic effects, too, like gastrointestinal issues, hormone imbalances, sleep disorders, and potential brain-based immune changes, which stem from brain-to-body communication disruptions.”
Research shows that within six hours of a head injury, the gut lining and the blood-brain barrier can become permeable, triggering food allergies and perpetuating inflammation. Functional neurologists assess and address these cascading effects, often using advanced serum and blood testing, as there are blood markers that can indicate mTBI or post-concussive syndrome.
Innovative Diagnostics and Therapies
Functional neurologists utilize cutting-edge tools to assess and rehabilitate brain function. For example:
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Oculomotor Testing: This evaluates eye movement and control, crucial for activities like reading or maintaining balance, and driving.
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Balance Assessment: CTSIB testing assesses three contributors to balance: 1) proprioception (contributes to spatial awareness), 2) information from the eyes (think “sea legs”), and 3) information from vestibular centers, including from the inner ear to the tracts of the brain that receive and interpret this information to allow for proper upright posture and balance.
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QEEG and Neurofeedback: These map in 3D and real-time electrical brainwave activity to establish regions of over or underperformance, then train the brain to self-regulate.
Chiropractic Care Meets Functional Neurology
Chiropractic adjustments play a pivotal role in functional neurology. They provide critical sensory input regarding joint position to the brain for processing, helping it recalibrate the body’s internal GPS to thereby improve posture and balance. Traditional physical therapy techniques like Graston mobilization are also used. This targets the fascia, a sensory-rich Saran wrap-like covering that envelops our muscles and their fibers and relays important sensory information to the brain. Fascia adhesions can limit range of motion and change the information that the brain receives, which can contribute to balance and movement disorders due to an augmented perception of self versus nonself (external environment).
Passport 2 Health applies functional neurology with a collaborative approach. A personal trainer and corrective exercise specialist, Cody Forman is a former professional athlete who works alongside Dr. Gaston to bridge the brain-body connection. “Rehabilitation isn’t just about targeting muscles—it’s about translating brain signals into functional movement,” Cody explains. Cody’s inspiration comes from his own mother, who survived a near-fatal car accident and went on to complete Ironman Triathlons. “Her journey reminds me to treat every client like family,” he says. Together, the Passport 2 Health team helps patients achieve milestones that once seemed impossible.
The Power of Lasers in Therapy
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a groundbreaking tool in functional neurology with wide-ranging benefits and zero side effects. Dr. Gaston is an advanced proficiency provider of Erchonia, the global leader in low-level laser technology. Lasers address issues including chronic pain and inflammation and regulate fight-or-flight responses and neurological imbalances by increasing blood flow and mitochondrial function. Red low-level lasers, for example, are excellent for pain management, whether chronic or post-surgical. Also helpful for anxiety disorders through vagal stimulation, they help calm the body’s fight-or-flight response. Recent studies have shown low-level lasers help improve gut health by repopulating gut flora, much like an advanced probiotic. Meanwhile, violet lasers are antimicrobial, targeting bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Aiding in supporting the immune system, especially during a detox, violet lasers have been used in veterinary and dental procedures and post-surgically to help stave off infection. The first green laser in the world has also been developed by Erchonia and is available for use. This is the most advanced, with autoimmune applications.
These lasers are now accessible through Passport 2 Health for home therapy rental. Personalized protocols are tailored to individual needs—for weekly or monthly rental, for acute “weekend warrior” injuries or long-term chronic disease management. Low-level laser therapy represents an effective, noninvasive solution for modern health care.
Beyond Concussions: Addressing the Invisible Injury
Traumatic brain injuries are said to be the “invisible injury” due to the fact that post-concussive syndrome is often more subjective in nature. (You can’t physically see it, like a broken arm.) Symptoms can wax and wane, making it challenging for family and loved ones to understand or know how to provide support. Symptoms like overstimulation from light, sound, or simply conversation can be frustrating, anxiety-provoking, and isolating.
“Anxiety after closed head trauma is often not psychological—it’s physiological,” Dr. Gaston explains. “When the brain is imbalanced, sensory processing overload can occur as the brain struggles to process all the things we experience. If unable to keep up with the rate of information, this can result in fight-or-flight responses, even in nonstressful situations.” Functional neurological applications work to restore balance, helping patients regain control over their lives and their relationships.
Kat Cook, who is part of the Passport 2 Health team, is a testament to this mission. One of Dr. Gaston’s first functional neurology patients in 2016, Kat had been misdiagnosed with narcolepsy after having two brain stem strokes in utero. She went from being bedridden to becoming a licensed massage therapist after working with Dr. Gaston. “Functional neurology gave me my life back,” she shares.
“Kat is also Erchonia laser certified and incorporates the laser with her massage, along with Graston fascial releases, and deep tissue and hot stone massage,” shares Dr. Gaston.
Joining Dr. Gaston is Office Manager Carol Kendrick, whose unique journey adds depth to the team. A former Army medic with the 7th Medical Division and a seasoned entrepreneur, Carol returned to the medical field in 2020 to fulfill her passion for helping others. She shares, “I’m grateful for my experiences and excited to help our patients.”
Dr. Gaston and her Passport 2 Health team continue to push boundaries, offering hope to those navigating the challenges of mTBIs and other neurological conditions. Functional neurology’s approach reminds us of the brain’s incredible innate ability to heal when given the right support. As Dr. Gaston puts it, “No two brains are the same, and no two recoveries should be either.”
Dr. Gaston and her Passport 2 Health team continue to push boundaries, offering hope to those navigating the challenges of mTBIs and other neurological conditions.
Dr. Devon L. Gaston
DC, MS, DACNB
Since 2018, Dr. Devon Gaston and her integrative rehabilitation team at Passport 2 Health have specialized in advanced clinical therapies, including chiropractic functional neurology, corrective exercise, functional medicine, and med-legal expert witness services for mTBI testing. They develop personalized, neurologically focused healing plans tailored to each individual. Committed to accessibility, they provide telemedicine services, affordable laser rentals, and customized care options that enable patients to benefit from programs tailored to their unique needs. Visit passport2health.co to learn more.