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Evaluation & Diagnostic Services  Dr. Michael Master provides a number of non-invasive comprehensive neurological evaluations and diagnostic services along with evidenced-based protocols including: Comprehensive Neurological Physical Exams Each examination is tailored to the individual and comprehensive in evaluating the totality of nervous system function. The examination is a "head-to-toe" evaluation which typically lasts about 60 to 70 minutes between doctor and patient regardless of insurance plan. For child evaluations, parents are always welcomed to stay with their child throughout the entire exam. A typical exam for adults includes a history of the condition, past medical history, bilateral blood pressures, pulse, respirations, pulse oximetry, fundus, oculomotor, sensory, motor, autonomic, cranial nerve, spinal, cerebellar and balance exams as well as other specialized testing when indicated. The children's evaluations are developmentally appropriate and include the above except the history focuses on prenatal, birth, and developmental milestones, while the exam incorporates in-depth primitive and postural reflex testing with an age-appropriate neuro-developmental exam. Neurological Consultations  Dr. Michael Master receives many consultation referrals from local medical doctors, pediatricians, and chiropractic doctors alike for patients presenting with diagnostic dilemmas and difficulties pertaining to adult and child neurological disorders ranging from migraine headaches, vertigo, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, ADHD/ADD, learning, and behavioral disorders to name a few. Video Electronystagmography (vENG) Dr. Master has received extensive postgraduate training in the state-of-the-art technology known as video ENG (vENG). Typically, this diagnostic test is provided by major university hospitals, ENTs, and Neurotologists specializing in balance disorders and dizziness. Chiropractic neurologists utilize video ENG mainly to evaluate eye movements as a functional window of the nervous system. It is well established about the link between eye muscle movements and spinal-postural muscle control and , as such, the video ENG allows the chiropractic neurologist to observe sensitive and objective data relating to the patient's nervous system function and current condition in real-time. Currently, chiropractic neurologists are utilizing video ENG technology to not only enhance their patient's lives, but also utilize video ENG in various research settings to objectively document changes made in the nervous system following chiropractic neurological procedures. Interactive Metronome (IM) Interactive metronome (IM) is a brain-based assessment and treatment tool that has been shown in clinical research to improve the neurological functions of motor planning and sequencing. Motor planning and sequencing are considered core brain functions. For instance, they determine the ability to reach out for a glass of water, take notes while listening to a presentation, walk smoothly, or arrange words in a sentence so that speech makes sense. Chiropractic neurologists are able to stimulate these core brain areas through postural muscle activations (i.e. specific adjustments of the spine) and then objectively document the change in nervous system function via IM. Currently, there is a multi-site research project in progress comparing ADHD children with treatment involving chiropractic neurological procedures vs. ADHD children with medication only. Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA) Dr. Michael Master employs the standardized Test of Variables of Attention (T.O.V.A) which is a computerized test of attention that assists in the screening, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring of children and adults with attention and impulsivity disorders as well as non ADHD disorders such as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The TOVA is utilized by Dr. Master to determine if an attentional deficit is prevalent, provide clinical bench marks, and evaluate changes during the course of Dr. Master's prescribed care. Visagraph III The Visagraph is a computer-based eye-movement recording device utilized for evaluating reading fluency and effectiveness in children from grade 1 through college. The Visagraph provides unique insights into the physical, perceptual, and cognitive skills that determine the ease and comfort with which one reads. Chiropractic neorologists utilize the Visagraph so as to effectively determine a childs progress during the course of care. Quite simply, the eye muscles are linked with the spine muscles and, as such, chiropractic neurologists influence the spine joints and muscles with various procedures, thereby objectively producing change in the childs cognitive abilities and reading. Within a few minutes, a childs reading ability can be monitored with a state-of-the-art eye-movement recording device which demonstrates to the doctor, as well as the parents, how the child is reading in real-time, as well as establishing accurate reading performance data. Diagnostic and Laboratory Referrals In order to arrive at the proper diagnosis or rule out certain clinical disorders, Dr. Master may need to order a diagnostic work-up possibly including blood-work, EMG/NCV, EEG, or for a radiological evaluation such as X-ray, Ultrasound, CT, or MRI / MRA among other tests. Understand, Dr. Master will only order a specialized test following a complete evaluation and if it is clinically indicated and necessary. CAVEAT: If following examination it is determined that a clinical condition is not amenable to chiropractic neurological care or procedures, then a referral to the appropriate specialist or facility will be encouraged. Providing A Balanced Approach Toward Optimal Health |
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