- 3 scans that look at how well the nervous system is functioning.
- Valid, reliable and reproducible.
- Allows tracking to ensure progress in nervous system function.
The first is a Heart Rate Variability (HRV) scan. The primary focus is on 'variability' as it stands as the foremost indicator of optimal neurological well-being: the capacity to flexibly adjust and rebound. Flexibility serves as the cornerstone of well-being, whether discussing gastrointestinal and immune vitality or addressing behavioral, emotional, and cognitive wellness. It indicates if your nervous system is balanced, stuck in sympathetic mode, or stuck in parasympathetic mode.
The second is a NeuroThermal scan. The primary importance of the NeuroThermal Scan lies in identifying the localized impacts of subluxation and dysautonomia. Given that the autonomic nervous system is chiefly responsible for coordinating and overseeing the operation of vital bodily systems such as digestion, immunity, and hormonal regulation, this scan provides valuable insights into the conditions affecting patients grappling with issues like colic, reflux, constipation, chronic ear infections, allergies, adrenal dysfunction, chronic fatigue, and sleep disorders, just to name a few.
The third is a NeuroSpinal EMG (SEMG). This specific scan holds paramount importance in aiding our efforts to support children and adults facing complex challenges like Autism, “Asperger’s,” Sensory Integration Disorders, ADHD, and Anxiety. It stands as the foremost diagnostic tool when investigating these conditions. This is because each of these neurodevelopmental and neurosensory difficulties stem from issues such as trapped tension, altered neuromotor tone, and fatigue within the neuromotor system. (Many parents of children with sensory or spectrum disorders are familiar with the concept of "tone" due to their collaboration with exceptional professionals like Pediatric Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech Therapists.) Neurological and tone-related issues are significant because motor function profoundly influences brain function. Therefore, if the EMG scan identifies patterns of trapped tension and imbalance, it is highly likely that the brain is stuck in a sympathetic (fight or flight) state and is struggling to balance its core functions, including regulating emotions, behavior, learning, and memory. There are three common findings with EMG scans, each indicative of different challenges:
- Raging Bull: This pattern suggests a person whose nervous system is consistently in a heightened state ("gas pedal") and predominantly sympathetic dominant. This may lead to difficulties such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, anxiety, and disrupted sleep patterns.
- Drunken Bull: This finding often correlates with a person experiencing challenges with coordination, focus, reading comprehension, communication, and other related issues.
- Raging Drunken Bull: People may exhibit both scan patterns and signs & symptoms from each category. This is seen predominately in children and adults who nervous system has been dysfunctional for a long time.
Everyone has the ability to see positive changes in their EMG scores. An adult may take longer but a child will see rapid changes due to the rapid pace of their nervous system's growth and adaptation. However, this also means that when subluxation affects the neuromuscular system (as indicated on the EMG), it can significantly disrupt their development for years to come. That’s what makes neurologically-focused chiropractic so important for children! Delving further into this particular scan, the INSiGHT EMG Scans employ a three-step scoring system, offering comprehensive insights into the child's neuromotor system and overall brain and neurodevelopment. Here are the three scores and their respective explanations:
- Total Energy Score: This score is typically higher in someone stuck in a sympathetic mode, indicating heightened arousal. Higher scores are often observed in cases resembling the "Raging Bull" pattern, associated with issues like anxiety, behavior, and sleep disturbances.
- Pattern Score: This score reflects the overall neurological tone, with lower scores suggesting challenges such as emotional dysregulation, focus difficulties, postural fatigue, and weak core stability.
- Symmetry Score: This score assesses the balance between the right and left sides of the neurospinal system, which is crucial for overall brain function and coordination.