You Are Not Just a Set of Symptoms — You Are a Whole Person
If you are reading this, chances are you have been searching for answers — for days, months, maybe even years. Perhaps you have seen countless specialists. You have tried medications, therapies, and protocols, but something still does not feel right. Maybe you have been told “everything looks normal,” even though you know your body is trying to tell you something is wrong.
At Georgia Chiropractic Neurology Center (GCNC), we see you. We hear your story. And more importantly, we believe that healing happens when someone finally takes the time to understand not just your diagnosis, but you.
This blog post will guide you through what becoming a patient at our clinic looks like — from the very first phone call to ongoing care that is completely tailored to you, your brain and your body.
You Want Answers, and You Deserve a Clear Path Forward
Most of our patients come to us feeling confused, frustrated, and overwhelmed. You are not alone. That is exactly why we have built a step-by-step care process that is transparent, collaborative, and uniquely designed around your needs.
Here is what to expect when you take the first step.
Step 1: Complimentary Consultation – Let’s Talk First
Your journey starts with a complimentary consultation — either over the phone or in person at our Marietta office. During this first contact, you will have a brief conversation with one of our staff doctors. This is your time to:
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- Share your current symptoms and diagnoses
- Tell us about your medical history
- Ask any burning questions
- Learn about our assessments and treatment methods
- See the clinic and meet our team (if in person)
We will be honest with you. If we do not think we are the right place to help, we will tell you that — and help you find where you need to go. But if we do believe we can help, we will get you scheduled for a comprehensive neurological examination and walk you through pricing and paperwork.
Step 2: Online Paperwork – Your Story, in Detail
Once you are scheduled, you will receive a link via email to our secure online portal. Here, you will complete:
- A detailed intake questionnaire
- Multiple consent forms
- Upload options for imaging, labs, or prior documentation
This is not just standard paperwork. It is your opportunity to fully describe your symptoms — past and present — in your own words. We want to know about everything: from your earliest injuries to your daily functioning to those little things other doctors might have brushed off. Every detail helps us create the most complete picture of your health.
Step 3: The Initial Examination – Plan for Up to 3 Hours of Focused Discovery
We know three hours might sound long — but this is your time, uninterrupted.
History Review
We start by sitting down together. You will speak with your doctor about your:
- History of present illness
- Past medical experiences
- Family and social background
We use this to clarify any gaps from your intake paperwork and deepen our understanding of your health journey.
Diagnostic Testing
Next comes targeted testing — no needles, no invasive procedures, no imaging:
- Orthostatic vitals (standing vs. seated vs. lying blood pressure and heart rate)
- Eye movement testing with videonystagmography (VNG)
- Balance testing using virtual reality and force plate systems
- Neurocognitive testing with the C3 Logix system (used by the NFL for concussion protocols)
These exams help us evaluate how your brain and nervous system process information, move your body, and maintain equilibrium — all in real-time.
Bedside Neurological & Functional Exam
The final portion includes detailed orthopedic, neurological, and visceral exams. Depending on your concerns, we may assess your reflexes, muscle tone, coordination, cranial nerves, joint function, visceral tension patterns and much more.
Throughout this entire process, we are observing how your nervous system functions dynamically — not just how it looks on paper.
Step 4: Report of Findings – The Clarity You Have Been Looking For
At the end of your initial exam, we sit down again — not to talk at you, but with you. Your doctor will:
- Review test results and show you objective findings
- Explain what these results mean for your symptoms
- Describe the areas of the brain and body involved
- Answer every question you have
- Collaboratively determine a care plan with you
This is not a one-size-fits-all approach. We want to know what you want to get back to — whether it is working, walking, sleeping, or simply feeling like yourself again. Your goals become the foundation of your treatment plan.
Step 5: First Phase of Care – Precision, Not Protocol
Care at GCNC is never cookie-cutter. We do not follow rigid protocols because we understand something critical: no two brains are the same — even if the symptoms look identical.
During this first phase of care, we closely monitor your response to treatment in real time. Here is what that means:
- We watch for signs of fatigue — not the kind you feel, but the kind your brain shows us: rapid pupil changes (hippus), color shifts in your skin, facial expression changes, drooping eyelids, sweating, cold extremities, headaches, and more.
- We adjust accordingly — a treatment that works beautifully one day might need to be modified the next, based on how your nervous system is functioning that day.
- We work as a team — you may work with more than one doctor during your care. Each of us brings unique clinical strengths to the table, and together, we create synergy. Your brain is a network of interconnected systems — and so is our team.
Step 6: Re-Examination – Tracking Real Progress
We believe in results you can see and feel. After your initial phase of care, we bring you back for a focused re-exam.
We retest the most significant findings from your original assessment — the ones that we determined were meaningful markers of your condition. This allows us to:
- Track your functional progress
- Reassess our treatment strategy
- Adjust your care plan if needed
- Set new goals if we are ahead of schedule
If progress is slower than expected, we do not blame the patient — we change our approach. If you are improving faster than anticipated, we shift gears and keep going.
Step 7: Ongoing Care – Building Toward Lasting Independence
Healing does not happen overnight, but it also should not take forever.
In subsequent phases of care, our goal is to help you transition into more independence. That means:
- Updating your therapy goals to reflect your progress
- Decreasing the frequency of care over time
- Giving you tools and strategies to support your nervous system on your own
- Helping you maintain your gains and improve quality of life long-term
Our ultimate aim is to empower you to live fully — with less pain, more energy, better focus, improved balance, and a nervous system that can adapt to life’s demands.
Why It Works: A Brain-Based, Individualized Approach
At Georgia Chiropractic Neurology Center, our approach is guided by three core principles:
- Every brain is different. We do not treat symptoms — we treat people.
- Function matters more than structure. You can “look fine” on imaging but still have significant dysfunction. We know how to find it.
- The brain works as an interconnected system. Treating one part without considering the rest often fails. Our approach respects the whole system.
When we combine these principles with objective testing, clinical experience, and compassionate care — that is when true healing begins.
Are You Ready to Start Your Journey?
Becoming a patient at GCNC is not just about treatment — it is about finally being heard, understood, and guided toward real, lasting improvement.
If you are ready to explore whether care at Georgia Chiropractic Neurology Center is the right fit for you, let’s start with a simple conversation.
Schedule your complimentary consultation today — call us or request it online. Your journey to better brain health starts here.
If you or someone you love would like to learn how chiropractic neurology can be of benefit, contact the team at Georgia Chiropractic Neurology Center today. We look forward to hearing from you.
Written by Sophie Hose, DC, MS, DACNB, CCSP