What is CNS Vital Signs - Computerized Neurocognitive Assessment Software?
At Aura Functional Neurology Center, effective neurological treatment begins with a precise, comprehensive assessment. CNS Vital Signs represents a critical component of our diagnostic approach, providing objective measurements of brain function that guide our personalized treatment plans for conditions like migraine, dysautonomia, POTS, concussion, TBI, Long COVID, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Dr. Diana Tyler DC, DACNB
Founder of Aura Functional Neurology Center. Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and migraine specialist with extensive experience treating neurological cases at the Aura FNC office located in Cumming, Georgia. Graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic and Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board.
Understanding CNS Vital Signs
CNS Vital Signs is an FDA-cleared, scientifically validated computerized neurocognitive assessment platform that evaluates multiple domains of brain function through a series of brief, engaging tests. Unlike traditional paper-based assessments or subjective questionnaires, this advanced technology provides precise, reproducible measurements of how different regions of your brain are functioning in real-time.
The assessment takes approximately 45-60 minutes to complete and consists of several tests performed on a computer. These tests are designed to be accessible for individuals across a wide range of ages and abilities, making them suitable for our diverse patient population at Aura FNC.
Why Neurocognitive Assessment Matters
Many neurological conditions manifest not just through obvious symptoms like headaches or dizziness, but through subtle changes in cognitive function that can significantly impact daily life. Patients often describe experiencing “brain fog,” difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, or feeling like they’re not performing at their cognitive baseline—yet these symptoms are challenging to quantify through conventional medical testing.
CNS Vital Signs bridges this gap by providing objective data about cognitive performance across multiple domains. This allows Dr. Diana Tyler to identify specific areas of brain dysfunction that may be contributing to your symptoms, even when structural imaging like MRI or CT scans appear normal. Remember, functional neurology focuses on identifying “functional lesions”—areas of the brain that may be under-firing or over-firing without visible structural damage.
What CNS Vital Signs Measures
The assessment evaluates eleven core neurocognitive domains that are essential for optimal brain function:
Memory Functions
- Verbal Memory: Ability to remember words and language-based information
- Visual Memory: Recall images, patterns, and spatial information
- Composite Memory: Recognize, remember, and retrieve words and geometric figures
- Working Memory: Capacity to hold and manipulate information in the moment
Executive Functions
- Executive Function: Planning, organizing, and managing complex tasks
- Cognitive Flexibility: Your ability to adapt thinking and switch between different concepts
- Processing Speed: How quickly you can understand and react to information
- Reasoning: Recognize, reason, and respond to non-verbal visual-abstract stimuli
Attention & Focus
- Sustained Attention: Your ability to maintain focus over time
- Complex Attention: Managing multiple streams of information simultaneously
- Simple Attention: Basic alertness and response to stimuli
Additional Assessments
- Psychomotor Speed: Coordination between cognitive function and physical movement
- Motor Speed: Ability to perform movements to produce and satisfy an intention towards a manual action and goal
- Reaction Time: Speed of response to visual or auditory stimuli
- Social Acuity: How well a subject can perceive, process, and respond to emotional cues
Each domain provides insights into different neural networks and brain regions, creating a comprehensive map of your cognitive strengths and challenges.
How We Use CNS Vital Signs at Aura FNC
Initial Assessment & Baseline Establishment
During your comprehensive examination at Aura FNC, CNS Vital Signs serves as one of several diagnostic tools we employ to understand your unique neurological presentation. The results help Dr. Tyler identify patterns of dysfunction that might not be apparent through symptoms alone. For instance, specific patterns in processing speed and attention might indicate dysautonomia-related brain fog, while changes in memory and executive function could suggest post-concussion syndrome.
Personalized Treatment Planning
The detailed cognitive profile generated by CNS Vital Signs directly influences your customized 5-day, 10-day, or 15-day neurorehabilitation program. By understanding which cognitive domains are affected, Dr. Tyler can select specific brain-based exercises, sensory stimulation techniques, and neuroplasticity-promoting activities that target your areas of need. This ensures that every aspect of your intensive treatment program is purposeful and evidence-based.
Objective Progress Monitoring
One of the most valuable aspects of CNS Vital Signs is its ability to track changes over time. We typically perform reassessments during and after your intensive treatment program to objectively measure improvements in cognitive function. This data-driven approach allows us to:
- Document the effectiveness of your treatment plan
- Make real-time adjustments to optimize outcomes
- Provide concrete evidence of neuroplastic changes
- Guide your long-term home treatment plan
Many patients find it incredibly validating to see objective improvements in their cognitive scores, especially when dealing with conditions that are often dismissed or misunderstood by conventional medicine.
What to Expect During Your Assessment
The CNS Vital Signs assessment is conducted in a quiet, comfortable environment at your own home. You’ll be seated at a computer with clear instructions provided for each test. Our test ensures you understand each task before beginning, and we’re available throughout the process to answer questions or provide support if needed.
The tests are designed to challenge different aspects of brain function without causing undue stress or fatigue. Suppose you’re experiencing symptoms like migraine or severe fatigue. In that case, we can adjust the testing schedule to accommodate your needs, potentially taking breaks between each session – however, the entire test is intended to be completed in one sitting.
It’s important to approach the assessment without anxiety about “passing” or “failing” – there are no right or wrong results. The goal is simply to capture an accurate snapshot of your current cognitive function, which serves as a starting point for your healing journey.
Integrating Results with Comprehensive Care
At Aura FNC, CNS Vital Signs is just one component of our thorough evaluation process. Dr. Tyler integrates these cognitive findings with:
- Detailed neurological examination
- Comprehensive health history
- Metabolic and nutritional evaluations
- Other specialized testing as indicated
This multi-factorial approach aligns with our philosophy of addressing all contributing factors simultaneously—neurological, structural, functional, and metabolic—to provide truly comprehensive care for complex neurological conditions.
The Science Behind the Technology
CNS Vital Signs has been validated through extensive peer-reviewed research and is used by healthcare providers, researchers, and clinical trials worldwide. The platform’s normative database includes thousands of healthy individuals across different age groups, allowing your results to be compared to appropriate reference ranges. This scientific rigor ensures that the insights we gain from your assessment are reliable and clinically meaningful.
The assessment’s sensitivity to subtle cognitive changes makes it particularly valuable for conditions like Long COVID, where patients often struggle to articulate or validate their cognitive symptoms. By providing objective documentation of cognitive dysfunction, CNS Vital Signs helps validate patient experiences and guide targeted treatment approaches based on the latest knowledge in clinical neuroscience.
Supporting Your Neuroplasticity Journey
Understanding your cognitive profile through CNS Vital Signs empowers you to actively participate in your recovery. When you comprehend which specific brain functions need support, you can better appreciate why certain exercises or therapies are included in your treatment plan. This knowledge transforms you from a passive recipient of care to an active partner in promoting positive neuroplastic changes.
As Dr. Diana Tyler often emphasizes, our goal extends beyond symptom management to empowering patients to take control of their neurological health. The insights provided by CNS Vital Signs become part of your toolkit for understanding and optimizing your brain function long after you leave our office.
Moving Forward with Confidence
If you’re considering treatment at Aura FNC for migraine, dysautonomia, POTS, functional neurological disorder, concussion, TBI, Long COVID, or neurodevelopmental disorders, know that CNS Vital Signs will provide valuable insights to guide your personalized treatment journey. This objective assessment tool, combined with Dr. Tyler’s expertise in functional neurology and commitment to understanding each patient’s unique presentation, ensures that your intensive neurorehabilitation program addresses your specific needs.
The journey to neurological recovery requires a precise understanding of where to begin. CNS Vital Signs provides that crucial starting point, offering hope through objective measurement and the promise of trackable improvement through our brain-based rehabilitation approach.
To learn more about how CNS Vital Signs and our comprehensive assessment process can help identify the root cause of your neurological symptoms, contact Aura Functional Neurology Center today. Our office in Cumming, Georgia, and welcomes patients locally and from around the world seeking innovative, evidence-based solutions for complex neurological conditions.
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