Frequently Asked Questions — Gates Brain Health
What is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist?
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A Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist (DABCN) is a licensed chiropractic physician who has completed extensive postgraduate training in clinical neuroscience and functional neurology — typically 300+ hours of advanced coursework followed by a rigorous board examination. There are approximately 500 Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologists worldwide. Dr. Randall Gates holds this credential and applies it to evaluate and treat complex chronic neurological and autoimmune conditions without the use of drugs or surgery.
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What is Functional Neurology and how is it different from conventional neurology?
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Conventional neurology primarily focuses on identifying structural lesions and prescribing pharmaceutical treatments. Functional Neurology evaluates how the nervous system is functioning — examining the quality, efficiency, and balance of neurological signaling throughout the brain and body — and applies non-pharmacological therapies to restore optimal function. Functional Neurology looks at the nervous system as an integrated system connected to immune function, gut health, endocrine function, and metabolism, not just as an isolated organ.
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What conditions does Gates Brain Health treat?
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Dr. Gates specializes in complex chronic conditions including vertigo and dizziness, BPPV, Meniere’s disease, vestibular migraines, vestibular neuronitis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME), POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), post-concussion syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, thyroid disorders, peripheral neuropathy, ataxia, ADHD, depression and anxiety, diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, leaky gut, memory loss, brain fog, PCOS, and more. See our full conditions page for the complete list.
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Does Dr. Gates accept insurance?
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Gates Brain Health operates outside of the insurance model for most services, as the comprehensive functional neurology and integrative medicine approach Dr. Gates provides does not fit within standard insurance reimbursement structures. Diagnostic MRI services accept Cigna, workers’ compensation, benefit plan administrators, and liens. Contact our office at (775) 507-2000 for specific information about fees and payment options.
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How do I become a new patient?
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We recommend starting with a free consultation — available in person or by phone — so you can learn about Dr. Gates’ approach and determine whether Gates Brain Health is the right fit for you. From there, a comprehensive examination is scheduled. Call us at (775) 507-2000 or request your free consultation online.
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How long does the initial examination take?
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The initial comprehensive examination typically takes up to three hours, though it may be longer for highly complex cases. Dr. Gates uses this time to conduct a full neurological examination, perform videonystagmography (VNG) eye movement testing, teach you personalized rehabilitation exercises, outline your individualized treatment plan, and order any specialty testing needed.
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Do you treat patients from outside of Reno?
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Yes. Dr. Gates treats patients from across the United States and internationally — including patients from Germany, Argentina, and many other countries. The initial comprehensive examination is conducted in person at our Reno, NV office. All follow-up care for distance patients is conducted via telemedicine (video or phone). Supplements and other treatment materials can be shipped directly to your home.
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What is VNG testing and why does Dr. Gates use it?
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Videonystagmography (VNG) is computerized infrared eye movement testing. Because eye movements are controlled by the brainstem and cerebellum — the same brain regions that process vestibular (balance) signals — analyzing eye movement patterns provides a precise, objective window into how the brain is processing vestibular information. VNG helps Dr. Gates identify exactly where neurological dysfunction is occurring, whether in the inner ear or in the central nervous system, allowing for targeted, effective treatment.
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What is the gut-brain connection and why does it matter?
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The gut and brain are in constant bidirectional communication through the vagus nerve, the enteric nervous system, and the immune system — a network known as the gut-brain axis. An unhealthy gut microbiome drives systemic neuroinflammation that impairs brain function, worsens autoimmune activity, and perpetuates chronic neurological symptoms. Restoring gut health — through diet, targeted supplementation, and microbiome support — is frequently a foundational component of Dr. Gates’ treatment plans.
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What dietary changes does Dr. Gates commonly recommend?
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Dietary recommendations are always individualized based on each patient’s laboratory findings, symptoms, and health history. Common principles include adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, eliminating gluten for patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or celiac disease, reducing processed foods and refined sugars, optimizing salt and fluid intake for POTS patients, and following a low-histamine protocol for patients with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. Dr. Gates provides specific dietary guidance as part of your personalized treatment plan.
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How does Gates Brain Health approach autoimmune diseases?
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Dr. Gates takes a root-cause approach to autoimmune disease, investigating the gut dysbiosis, intestinal permeability (leaky gut), nutritional deficiencies, environmental triggers, and neurological stress response factors that drive immune dysregulation. Rather than simply suppressing the immune system, the goal is to address the underlying mechanisms that are causing it to misfire — restoring immune balance and reducing the inflammatory burden on the nervous system.
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What is the role of neuroplasticity in Dr. Gates’ treatment?
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Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections in response to experience, learning, and therapeutic input. Dr. Gates designs specific rehabilitation exercises that target identified areas of neurological dysfunction — stimulating the brain to build new compensatory pathways, improve processing efficiency, and reduce chronic symptom generation. Neuroplasticity-based exercises are a central pillar of treatment at Gates Brain Health.
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Does Gates Brain Health offer advanced MRI services?
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Yes. Through our diagnostic imaging services, patients have access to volumetric quantification MRI (AI analysis of 133 brain regions) and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) — technologies that go far beyond standard radiology reporting. These are particularly valuable for post-concussion evaluation, TBI documentation, dementia screening, and Multiple Sclerosis monitoring. Same-day appointments are available for qualifying patients. Learn more on our Diagnostic MRIs page.
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Can Dr. Gates help with Parkinson’s disease?
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Yes. Dr. Gates applies a functional neurology approach to Parkinson’s disease that includes neuroplasticity-based rehabilitation to support dopaminergic pathways, nutritional interventions to address gut-brain axis dysfunction (which is increasingly implicated in Parkinson’s pathology), and targeted supplementation. While Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder, many patients experience meaningful improvements in quality of life through Dr. Gates’ comprehensive approach. Learn more on our Parkinson’s disease page.
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What is the connection between thyroid disease and neurological symptoms?
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Thyroid hormones are critical regulators of brain function — affecting synaptic development, neurotransmitter activity, cerebral blood flow, and metabolic rate in neurons. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause significant neurological symptoms including brain fog, memory loss, depression, anxiety, peripheral neuropathy, and balance difficulties. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can cause neurological symptoms even before conventional thyroid lab values fall outside the normal range. Dr. Gates routinely evaluates the full thyroid picture — including autoimmune antibodies — in neurological patients.
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How do I contact Gates Brain Health?
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You can reach us by phone at (775) 507-2000, by email at info@gatesbrainhealth.com, or by visiting our office at 5420 Kietzke Lane, Suite 209, Reno, NV 89511. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with Saturday and Sunday appointments available by arrangement. You can also request a consultation online at any time.
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