Last Updated: October 2025

When most people hear the term Functional Neurology, they imagine brain scans or high-tech imaging. While those tools have value, a Functional Neurology exam at The Carroll Institute in Sarasota goes far beyond pictures. It’s an interactive, in-depth evaluation that measures how efficiently your brain and nervous system communicate. The goal is simple: to uncover why you’re experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, balance issues, brain fog, or cognitive decline—and to find out which neural pathways need to be rebuilt.

Led by Dr. Garland Glenn, DC, PhD, AFMC, Sarasota’s only ReCODE-certified Functional Neurology clinic, this exam blends neuroscience, functional medicine, and advanced diagnostics. Unlike conventional neurology, which looks for disease, Functional Neurology focuses on dysfunction—areas where your brain isn’t working at full capacity but still has the potential to recover through neuroplasticity.

How a Functional Neurology Exam Differs From a Traditional Neurological Exam

Traditional neurological testing checks for structural damage or disease, such as stroke or tumors. Functional Neurology, by contrast, examines how your brain performs. Even if scans look “normal,” many patients still have communication breakdowns within their neural circuits. This exam identifies those subtle imbalances so they can be retrained—long before they become permanent problems.

During the exam, you’ll complete a series of visual, balance, and coordination assessments that show how different regions of your brain work together. These findings help guide treatment options such as in-office neurorehabilitation sessions or targeted home exercises. Every test has a specific purpose and helps create your personalized brain performance map.

Step 1: In-Depth History and Brain-Body Connection Review

The process begins with a thorough discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and daily function. Dr. Glenn explores your sleep patterns, energy levels, diet, stress, and previous injuries, because each of these can affect brain health. For example, head injuries, thyroid issues, blood-sugar imbalances, or toxic exposure may all disrupt communication within the nervous system. Understanding your background helps determine where the disconnects began.

Because Functional Neurology is about finding root causes, Dr. Glenn corralates the metabolic testing and ReCODE Protocol assessments to uncover deeper contributors to cognitive decline. This integration of neurology and metabolism makes the Carroll Institute’s approach uniquely comprehensive.

Step 2: Neurological and Sensory Testing

Next, the hands-on portion begins. You’ll go through a series of gentle tests designed to evaluate how different parts of your brain respond to stimulation. Common components include:

• Eye-movement and tracking evaluations to assess brainstem and cerebellar function (learn why these movements reveal so much about brain health).
• Balance and posture testing to measure how your vestibular system integrates sensory information.
• Reflex and coordination checks to evaluate motor timing and precision.
• Focus and cognitive challenges to observe prefrontal cortex performance.

These tests provide real-time data on how well your brain communicates with your body. Even subtle delays or asymmetries can indicate which neural circuits need to be retrained.

Step 3: Functional Imaging and Advanced Tools

Depending on your symptoms, Dr. Glenn may use advanced assessment tools to gain deeper insight into brain function. At The Carroll Institute, Sarasota patients have access to technology not available in typical clinics, including:

• Computerized posturography to measure balance control and stability.
• Interactive metronome testing to evaluate motor timing accuracy.
• Reaction-time and eye-tracking systems to assess neural speed and coordination.

In many cases, the results reveal patterns of imbalance that explain years of unexplained symptoms. For example, delayed visual-motor responses can contribute to dizziness or memory problems, while cerebellar underactivity may cause poor coordination or difficulty focusing.

Step 4: Creating a Personalized Brain Rewiring Plan

Once your results are compiled, Dr. Glenn designs a customized brain rehabilitation plan. Every plan is unique, targeting the specific neural pathways that need stimulation or support. Treatment may include:

• Targeted brain activation drills customized to your weaker neural networks.
• Sensory-motor retraining exercises using the Neurosensory Motor Integrator (SMI) to synchronize vision, motion, and cognition.
• Photobiomodulation therapy using the Neuronic Helmet to enhance oxygenation and neuroplasticity.
• Metabolic optimization guided by the ReCODE Protocol to address root causes such as inflammation, hormonal imbalance, or insulin resistance.

Together, these therapies re-establish efficient brain communication. Patients often notice improved focus, steadier balance, and enhanced clarity—sometimes within weeks.

Step 5: Understanding Your Brain Map Results

After testing, you’ll receive a detailed explanation of your results. Dr. Glenn walks you through each finding, showing how it connects to your symptoms. This transparency helps you understand your condition and empowers you to take part in your recovery. Many patients find this educational component inspiring—it turns fear into understanding and confusion into direction.

What Happens Next?

After your initial exam, your care may continue with a series of Functional Neurology sessions. These one-on-one visits use advanced tools and exercises to stimulate targeted brain regions, encouraging new neural connections to form. To see how this process helps individuals with memory loss or cognitive decline, read How Functional Neurology Helps Alzheimer’s Disease.

Over time, follow-up exams are used to measure progress. Improvements often appear in focus, balance, coordination, reaction speed, and even mood. Because the brain is adaptive, small consistent efforts lead to profound long-term gains. For many, this is the first time they’ve seen measurable, hopeful improvement in their neurological health.

Take the First Step Toward Better Brain Function

If you’ve been told “everything looks normal” but still feel off, it’s time to dig deeper. The Carroll Institute’s Functional Neurology Exam reveals the root causes of your symptoms and builds a roadmap toward recovery. Book a Discovery Call to schedule your exam and start retraining your brain for clarity, balance, and vitality.

Sources

• Neuronic Photobiomodulation Helmet — Neuronic
• Photobiomodulation Improves Cerebral Blood Flow — NIH (2011)
• Reversal of Cognitive Decline — Aging (2014)
• Precision Medicine Approach to Alzheimer’s — Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease Reports (2023)

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