ATTENTION DEFICIT/ HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
ADD (attention deficit disorder) is the widely recognized term for what is really a subtype of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, which is comprised of three different subtypes: inattentive type (ADD), hyperactive type and the combined type, commonly referred to as ADHD.
ADHD types 1, 2 and 3 are developmental disorders that occur as a result of poor connectivity of the circuits in the brain. In order for areas of the brain to develop and mature, they rely on good connectivity and communication from these brain circuits. Classically, in ADHD we see problems with the right hemisphere, left cerebellum and/or brainstem but this isn’t always the case.
About This Condition
Childhood Development
During the first two years of life, our brains focus on developing the right hemisphere first. If there are any events that cause stress or damage to the nervous system between conception and 2 years old, it is likely we will see problems with development of the right brain. At 2 years of age, the brain goes to work on the left hemisphere. Many times, children we work with continue to have stressors to the nervous system after 2 years of age and we begin to see left hemisphere problems. This is why it is absolutely critical to have a functional neurologist do a comprehensive neurological evaluation.
Common Signs of ADHD
In addition to inattention and/ hyperactivity, ADHD may present itself as intense curiosity and impulsiveness, combined with a lack of fear and inhibition. Patients may have a hard time with non-verbal communication such as eye contact and facial expressions, but have excellent verbal communication. This can also be combined with difficulty with reading comprehension but excellent word reading, difficulty with math reasoning like geometry and word problems but excellent algebraic skills, difficulty carrying out tasks, but great at planning them and overall difficulty with seeing the big picture. All of these are common signs of a child with ADHD.
Other Developmental Considerations
Approximately 80-90% of individuals with a childhood developmental delay have a sensitivity to gluten, dairy and/or sugar. The brain and nervous system have a critical role in keeping your digestive and immune systems healthy. This process frequently becomes compromised in individuals who suffer from ADHD. As a result, they can develop sensitivities to certain foods. When they consume them they irritate the gut and flare up the immune system resulting in increased inflammation in the brain and nervous system. In more severe cases, the immune system actually starts to attack the nervous system.
How We Can Help
Through careful examination by the best Chiropractic Neurology team in Colorado, we are able to determine the areas of the brain, brainstem, vestibular system and cerebellum that are deficient and form a treatment plan that is specific to you and your condition. We have a long list of available therapies and we only choose the ones that will work best for improving the function of your nervous system and reducing your symptoms. Common therapies we use for ADHD include but are not limited to: rehabilitation of primitive reflexes, core muscle strengthening, balance and coordination training, Interactive Metronome, NeuroSensoryMotor Integration, eye exercises, combined eye-head exercises, light therapy, music therapy and a variety of sensory therapies to name a few. Because of the connection to food sensitivities, it is required of our ADHD patients to be 100% gluten, dairy and sugar free. In addition, we offer comprehensive lab testing, nutritional counseling and supplements when appropriate.
About Us
The team of Functional Neurologists at Integrated Brain Centers are experts in helping patients of all ages suffering from concussion and brain injuries.