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Chiropractors, at Bergamo Chiropractic and Nutrition Centre, who provide this Chiropractic Neuro- Rehabilitation service have completed the sixteen modules of the Carrick Graduate Studies program with origin from the USA. This commitment is 400 hours on face to face neurology lectures for eighteen months, over sixteen long weekends. Lecture content  includes the following topics of the Neuron, Neuro -Muscular Applications, Reflexogenic Systems, Peripheral Nervous System, Spinal Cord, Autonomic Nervous System, Cerebellum, Basal Ganglia, Cranial Nerves, Vestibular assessment, Motor Systems, Sensory Systems, Pain, Neuorological Diagnosis, Electrodiagnosis and Neurological Applications. Chiropractors who provide this service have passed the Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board /DACNB examinations, as well as  completed further vestibular rehabilitation training with Brain Hub, led by Dr Carlo Rinaudo, who teaches vestibular rehabilitation to chiropractors. 

 Dizziness and vertigo is about your body's sense of balance. Balance involves the SEE principle of systems working together. This includes your Sight (visual system),  Sensation from your body’s feel (proprioceptive system) and the inner ear (vestibular system). All these three systems have to integrate to send information to the brain stem, the cerebellum  and the cerebral cortex about one's position in space. Once everything is working in harmoniously, a sense of balance is achieved; however if something is a little off, dizziness and vertigo can result. (1) and (2)

Dizziness and vertigo is generally is sub-classiifed under two broad types - Central or Peripheral. A central problem comes from misinterpretation of information once it has been received by the brain , whereas  a peripheral problem comes from misinterpretation of information coming into the brain. Unfortunately, some complciaetd cases experience both. The most common peripheral causes of dizziness or vertigo are Meniere's disease, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo/BPPV, and vestibular neuritis. (3)

What do we do? We commence with a comprehensive case history , where our initial questionnaire that we email you in advance. We then complete a thorough examination.This includes the key aspect of the neurological examination. At the conclusion of your examination, unless further testing is needed, we can answer what’s wrong and what we are going to do  about your presentation.. If we need to discuss our findings  with your GP , or other medical specialist ,  we will communicate with them by letter. Out treatment regime is non drug and non surgical , with vestibular rehabilitation therapy.

(1)Treleaven J. Dizziness, Unsteadiness, Visual Disturbances, and Postural Control: Implications for the Transition to Chronic Symptoms After a Whiplash Trauma. Spine December 1, 2011; Volume 36, Number 25S, pp. S211–S217

(2)Treleaven J. Dizziness and unsteadiness following whiplash injury: Characteristic features and relationship with cervical joint position error. J Rehabil Med, January, 2003; 35; 36-43 

(3)Bexander et al. Effect of gaze direction on neck muscle activity during cervical rotation. Exp Brain Res 2005  167:422-432

Mild traumatic brain injuries/MTBI such as concussion or other head injuries are quite common. Often we associate this with sports injuries or car accidents but simple activities like a trip or fall can be the cause of concussion. This can have both dramatic short-term and long term effects(1,2).In fact research now suggests that 33% of people who suffer an event such as this will go on to develop post concussive syndrome (3), which is involved with persistent symptoms.

Post concussion syndrome is associated with a wide variety of symptoms. Commonly, it involves  symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, headache and neck stiffness.(2) More comprehensively, this can include things such as issues with spatial awareness, memory issues and having difficulty processing information. 

What do we do? We commence with a comprehensive case history , where our initial questionnaire that we email you in advance. We then complete a thorough examination.This includes the key aspect of the neurological examination. At the conclusion of your examination, unless further testing is needed, we can answer what’s wrong and what we are going to do  about your presentation.. If we need to discuss our findings  with your GP , or other medical specialist ,  we will communicate with them by letter. Out treatment regime is non drug and non surgical , with vestibular rehabilitation therapy.

(1) Dean, P.J.A. and A. Sterr, Long-term effects of mild traumatic brain injury on cognitive performance. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 2013. 7: p. 30.

(2) What are the Potential Effects of TBI? 2016 May 23, 2016 [cited 2016 8th Sept 2016]; Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/outcomes.html.

(3) Leddy, J.J., et al., Rehabilitation of Concussion and Post-concussion Syndrome. Sports Health, 2012. 4(2): p. 147-54.

Initial consultation is 30 minutes, which includes history taking, a full neurological assessment and treatment, if applicable. 

Follow up visits are usually long consultations at 30 minutes that includes treatment and brain based exercises advice.

There are variations of a brief consultation if monitoring is required. Alternately, patients travelling long distances can have a one hour consultation to make the most of the travel time. Prices vary according to duration time. Local accommodation can be suggested if travelling a long distance.

We recommend that the initial Chiropractic Neuro Rehabilitation form be emailed to you, filled out and sent back to the centre, prior to the initial consultation. 

A review of your medical history, diagnostic imaging and comprehensive neurological examination is performed, in an initial Chiropractic NeuroRehabilitation consultation. Special tests, including a computerized balance testing and a Brain Map (QEEG), may be recommended and these can be performed in house. There are  various in-house treatments consisting of multiple types of sensory and motor tasks including eye, balance, sound, movement exercises, as well as Chiropractic adjustments. Nutritional support may also be prescribed. Each patient is given daily exercises to perform at home according to their own, customized individual requirements.

Please note that this is NOT medical neurology where pharmacological and/or surgical management is used.

Chiropractic Neuro Rehabilitation cases tend to be referral based consultations. Most of our cases are referred in by other Chiropractors, Psychologists and patients. Due to the complex nature of these conditions, management typically last between 6-12 weeks, with a review at these time periods. The duration that we see our neurological patients depends on the severity of the condition and compliance with recommendations. No two patients are the same and this varies from case to case. 

Yes, most private health insurances cover Chiropractic Neuro Rehabilitation under Chiropractic. 

We provide on-the-spot claiming with the use of Hicaps for fast processing of your private health insurance claims, where you will simply pay the gap payment at the consultation. 

The rebate varies with different funds and the level of your extras cover. 

The BALCOG examination refers to BALANCE i.e. our Computerised Balance Testing examination. The COG refers to Cognition where a standardized questionnaire is filled out with the patient by the practitioner. There is also an opportunity to ask our practitioner any questions. The BALCOG does not include treatment. It lasts approximately twenty minutes. If the practitioner feels a trial of initial therapy can benefit the patient, a suggested scheduled plan will be mentioned, which usually begins with a six week management plan.