Last Updated: October 2025

A concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI) can change everything in a single moment. Even a so-called “mild” injury can leave you struggling with headaches, dizziness, or brain fog long after the initial event. Although traditional medicine often takes a “wait and see” approach, Functional Neurology provides a more proactive path to recovery. At The Carroll Institute in Sarasota, Dr. Garland Glenn, DC, PhD, AFMC uses advanced neuroplastic therapies to help the brain rebuild communication pathways, improve focus, and restore balance after injury.

Understanding the Hidden Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury

When the brain is jolted by impact—such as from a fall, accident, or sports injury—neurons can stretch, twist, or even shear. As a result, communication between different brain regions may become impaired, even if a standard MRI appears normal. Therefore, it’s common to continue experiencing symptoms such as:

• Persistent headaches or visual sensitivity
• Brain fog and slow processing
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering
• Balance or coordination problems
• Sleep disruption, mood swings, or fatigue

Because these symptoms are neurological—not structural—they require a functional approach. In other words, the goal is not only to identify where the injury occurred, but also to understand how it disrupted brain communication. Functional Neurology helps restore that communication so the brain can perform as efficiently as possible again.

How Functional Neurology Restores Brain Communication

Recovery begins with a detailed Functional Neurology exam that measures how the eyes, balance system, and brain are working together. Once the underperforming circuits are identified, Dr. Glenn designs a therapy plan tailored to your exact neurological needs. Each activity gently stimulates specific brain regions, gradually teaching neurons to reconnect. As these circuits strengthen, symptoms often begin to fade and function improves.

For example, patients who experience dizziness after a concussion might work on vestibular retraining, while those with focus or reaction-time issues may perform eye-movement or cognitive activation drills. Over time—and with repetition—these targeted exercises strengthen communication between the hemispheres and rebuild coordination. As a result, patients often notice improvements in focus, energy, and confidence within weeks.

• Balance and vestibular training to improve coordination and spatial awareness
• Eye-movement and gaze control exercises to restore visual stability
• Timing and reaction drills to rebuild cerebellar accuracy
• Cognitive activation tasks to enhance memory and attention

Using Advanced Neurotechnologies for Faster Healing

In addition to hands-on exercises, The Carroll Institute incorporates advanced neurotechnologies that accelerate the brain’s ability to heal. Two of the most effective tools for TBI recovery are the Neuronic Photobiomodulation Helmet and the Neurosensory Motor Integrator (SMI).

• Neuronic Photobiomodulation Helmet: This light-based therapy increases oxygen and blood flow to the cortex, improving cellular energy production and reducing inflammation (Science Advances, 2022). Consequently, neurons regain their ability to fire efficiently, which helps restore mental clarity and reduce fatigue.
• Neurosensory Motor Integrator (SMI): The SMI is an advanced visual-motor coordination system used to retrain timing, focus, and hand-eye precision (RKB Instruments). By strengthening sensory and motor pathways simultaneously, it helps patients regain balance, focus, and reaction control.

When these two modalities are used together, their effects are synergistic. The Neuronic Helmet increases cellular energy and oxygenation, while the SMI engages that energy through active retraining. In other words, one fuels the brain while the other directs it. As a result, neuroplastic recovery occurs faster, and cognitive and physical performance improve more noticeably. You can learn more about how these therapies work together in How Photobiomodulation and Sensory Therapy Rebuild Brain Pathways.

Integrating Functional Medicine for Complete Recovery

Because the brain and body are deeply connected, true TBI recovery also depends on addressing underlying metabolic factors. After an injury, inflammation and oxidative stress often increase, while hormones and nutrients needed for healing may decrease. That’s why Dr. Glenn integrates Functional Medicine and the Bredesen ReCODE Protocol into his neurological care. By reducing inflammation, stabilizing blood sugar, and optimizing nutrients, the brain becomes more responsive to therapy and recovers more efficiently.

Typical Progress and Recovery Timeline

Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the injury and how long symptoms have persisted. Nevertheless, most patients begin noticing changes in focus, balance, or energy within the first few weeks of care. As therapy continues, these improvements become more stable, and overall brain performance strengthens. Because neuroplasticity builds with repetition, consistency is key. Even small, daily improvements accumulate, creating long-term transformation.

Progress is closely monitored through periodic reassessments, including eye-tracking data, balance measurements, and cognitive evaluations. This continuous feedback allows Dr. Glenn to refine each plan as the brain heals, ensuring steady forward momentum and measurable outcomes.

What Makes The Carroll Institute Different

Dr. Glenn completed more than 500 hours of Functional Neurology training under Dr. Ted Carrick, the founder of the Carrick Institute and the father of modern Functional Neurology. This background allows him to combine structural brain rehabilitation with metabolic repair—something few clinics in the region can offer. In addition, The Carroll Institute is Sarasota’s only ReCODE-certified Functional Neurology center, giving patients access to a truly comprehensive model of neurological recovery.

Rather than replacing traditional neurology, this approach complements it. While conventional medicine diagnoses and manages the immediate injury, Functional Neurology focuses on retraining and re-energizing the brain afterward. The two approaches work together to help patients recover faster and more completely.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

If you’re still struggling after a concussion or brain injury, you don’t have to accept “wait and see” as your only option. Functional Neurology can help your brain reconnect and recover naturally. Book a Discovery Call with The Carroll Institute today to learn how individualized neuroplastic rehabilitation can help you regain focus, balance, and confidence.

Sources

• Functional Neurology Overview — The Carroll Institute
• Photobiomodulation and Brain Recovery — Science Advances (2022)
• Neurosensory Motor Integrator — RKB Instruments
• Precision Medicine and Cognitive Health — NIH (2023)
• Reversal of Cognitive Decline — NIH (2014)

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