More so now than ever before, children’s developing immune systems are beleaguered by many environmental assaults and breaches involving neuroinvasive microorganisms. Such infections can lead to hypersensitivities, behavioral and learning problems, uncontrollable movements (tics) and chronic poor health. While there are many known and unknown reasons for this, a common denominator is that a taxed immune system leads to neurological debilitation in children.

It was once thought that the immune and nervous systems were separate and distinct. However, research has shown that both are intimately connected. The neurological system consists of the brain, brainstem, spinal cord and nerves, and its primary function is to receive and transmit information from the body to the brain and vice versa. Conversely, the immune system encompasses various cells that guard and defend against injury or infection, with the primary function of producing inflammation. The systems thereby provide specialized “crosstalk” to protect the individual from invasive infection, especially within the brain and nervous system. Yet when this neuro-immune interplay breaks down, lowered immune resistance can lead to persistent infections or autoimmune conditions, resulting in tissue damage and behavioral changes.

Children’s nervous systems fully mature into early adulthood. Similarly, a child’s immune system, due to neuro-immune integration, develops in concert with the nervous system. If the child's neurological development is not on par, the immune system's development is also subpar. With immune system compromise, significant infections may develop. Most notably, stealth-like bacterial or viral infections can wreak havoc, including PANDAS, mycoplasma, Lyme, PANS, Epstein-Barr, and SARS-CoV-2 among others. Unfortunately, such neuroinvasive infections contribute to considerable morbidity, debilitation and chronic health issues in children.

The burden of stealth-like infections leading to chronic debilitation in children has dramatically increased within the U.S. The most effective current countermeasure is nuanced, holistic immunological applications, including herbal remedies and supplementation. However, herbal supplementation is only one facet. Since the immune and nervous systems are intertwined, another important facet includes “recalibration” of the child’s nervous system. 

Research has established that specific functional brain imbalances between the right and left hemispheres are directly related to immunity. For example, researchers found that individuals with weaker left-hemisphere function tend to have poorer immune function. Conversely, an individual with weaker right-brain function is associated with stronger immunity. Hence, it can be said that balanced brain function equates to balanced immune function.

If a child has been plagued by immunological challenges, finding a health professional experienced in neuro-immunological applications is the next necessary step. Functional neurologists with extensive clinical experience in neuro-invasive cases focus on balancing nervous system function (homeostasis) and immunological function via various non-invasive applications. Beginning with an extensive history and neurological evaluation, practitioners obtain individualized data helping them decide on the best treatment. 

Treatment applications may include individualized care of the brain and immune system via functional neurology, specific herbal remedies, supplementation, minerals, restoring gut microbiome, lymphatic techniques, central and peripheral vagus nerve applications as well as lifestyle changes. Importantly, due to the complexity of stealth neuro-immune issues intersecting with the child’s neuro-development, individual results can vary. Therefore, individualized approaches work best in such scenarios.

Michael Master, DC, MPH, FACFN, FABCDD, is a board-certified chiropractic neurologist with sub-specialty qualifications in Functional Neurology and Child Neurodevelopment. He is the director of Master NeuroHealth, located at 1701 First Baxter Crossing, Fort Mill, SC. His training as a functional neurologist incorporates functional neurological diagnostics and treatment applications for complex health issues affecting kids with neuroinvasive infections. For more information or to make an appointment, call or text 803-992-2473 or visit DrMichaelMaster.health

Master NeuroHealth - 1701 First Baxter Crossing Ste 201F, Fort Mill , SC

Michael Master, DC, MPH, FACFN, FABCDD Dr. Michael Master is a practicing board-certified chiropractic neurologist and fellowship-trained functional neurologist with over 25 years of ... Read More » 

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