For months, I’ve been stuck in a cycle—appointments that lead nowhere, follow-ups scheduled months out, and a lingering suspicion that even if a diagnosis is found, the solution will be a prescription without a plan. Meanwhile, I sit in pain. I wait. I suffer. And I’m done with that.

Last week, I made a decision: I booked an appointment with a functional neurologist. A friend suggested it, and I followed the nudge—not because I had full faith, but because I need movement. I needed something to change.

Functional Neurology

Functional neurology is new to me. I’d never heard of it before, and maybe you haven’t either. It’s a field that blends neuroscience with rehabilitation, focusing on neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire itself through targeted stimulation and exercises. Instead of medicating symptoms, it tries to retrain the brain. That’s a radically different philosophy from the “wait, diagnose, prescribe” model I’ve been stuck in.

Some of the therapies they use include:

•  Vestibular rehab: Exercises to improve balance and spatial awareness

•  Oculomotor training: Eye movement drills to recalibrate brain-body coordination

•  Proprioceptive retraining: Helping the brain better interpret signals from muscles and joints

•  Autonomic regulation: Techniques to stabilize heart rate, blood pressure, and other dysautonomia-related symptoms

At my first appointment yesterday, the doctor suspected several central nervous system issues—dysautonomia, migraines, chronic pain syndrome (CPS). I underwent balance testing, eye movement tracking, and an orthostatic diagnostic exam. More labs were ordered, including a mail-in kit for further testing.

I don’t yet know what “brain therapy” will entail. But I do know this: it’s a new path. One that feels like it might actually lead somewhere. I drove home feeling a little lighter. The pain was still there, but for a moment, I felt like someone who might finally get answers. Someone who might heal.

This required a bit of disassociation to ignore the pain, but even that felt different—like a temporary bridge to something better. I’m not waiting anymore. I’m moving.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in the medical maze, I see you. If you’ve explored functional neurology or are just hearing about it now, I’d love to hear your experience. Drop a comment below—let’s share what we know, what we’ve tried, and what we’re still hoping for.

Gratitude for Today

To think outside the parentheses, I always leave a scripture, meme, and/or music clip that inspired the title and content. Because:

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”  

— John 1:5

Only the Lord can heal and save us. He puts the right resources in our path. I am thankful.

Today’s blog title comes from the song Drum Show by Twenty One Pilots.

Standout lyric:

“I’ve been this way
I want to change”