Dr. Matthew M. Antonucci

DC, DACNB, FACFN, FABCDD, FABNN, FABVR, FABBIR, FICC
Dr. Antonucci is an experienced chiropractic neurologist, functional neurology practitioner, researcher, and international lecturer with more than a decade of clinical experience. He proudly has participated in the health transformation of thousands of patients with complex neurological conditions and performance challenges, through the prescription and administration of client-specific functional neurology rehabilitation programs. He is a highly sought-after speaker who has delivered thousands of hours of education, to tens of thousands of healthcare providers both domestically and internationally and has authored a number of peer-reviewed publications. He is a loving husband and the father of five amazing boys, whom he hopes to inspire to follow in his footsteps.
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Academic and Professional Credentials

B.S.: Bachelor of Science (Biology), Excelsior College
D.C.: Doctor of Chiropractic, Life University
D.A.C.N.B.: Diplomate, American Chiropractic Neurology Board
F.A.C.F.N.: Fellow, American College of Functional Neurology
F.A.B.C.D.D.: Fellow, American Board of Childhood Developmental Disorders

F.A.B.N.N.: Fellow, American Board of Nutrition and Neurochemistry
F.A.B.V.R.: Fellow, American Board of Vestibular Rehabilitation
F.A.B.B.I.R.: Fellow, American Board of Brain Injury and Rehabilitation
F.I.C.C.: Fellow, International College of Chiropractors

Current Appointments & Employment

Appointments

Member, Dean's Society of the UCF College of Medicine
Adjunct Clinical Faculty, Life University
Adjunct Clinical Faculty, Palmer Chiropractic College
President, American Board of Brain Injury and Rehabilitation
Editorial Contributor, Frontiers in Public Health & Frontiers in Neurology
Editorial Contributor, Frontiers in Neurology
Board Member, Carrick Institute's Institutional Review Board
Board Member, Vagus Nerve Society

Employment

President and Clinician, NeuroSynergy Associates, PA
Professor of Functional Neurology, Carrick Institute for Graduate Studies
Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Monarch BioVentures

A Little More About Me...

Patients

I make observations and correlations, I understand the brain, and I solve patients’ problems. That’s what I do. Neurology is about associations. Understanding the associations between observations is the code for solving neurological challenges.

Over the past 13 years, I have had the privilege and honor to learn something from each of the 4,000 patients of all ages, from every background and every occupation, suffering from brain injuries.

Patients have told me they “have seen every doctor”. They have shed tears of frustration because everyone says that “they look fine” and “they’re just stressed out or anxious”. They’ve shared their hopelessness. They’ve even said that I was their last option. Thankfully, I was never their last option, and in many cases, I was just the last person that they needed.

These patients have helped me discover how to use functional neurology to help concussions when some people believe that treating a concussion is not possible. They’re not entirely wrong, because every person’s concussion is different, so CONCUSSIONS can’t be treated. Doctors need to assess and treat the PATIENT, not their diagnosis.

This perspective has allowed me to transform the lives of nearly every patient with a concussion, and those with many other neurological syndromes, in as little as one 5-day program.

Professionals

I live for “ah-ha” moments. I find it so exciting to take the complexity of the brain and make it easy to understand, so healthcare professionals can transform the lives of as many people as possible, with functional neurology. Knowing that the tens of thousands of doctors that I have trained in the classroom, at conventions, and in my clinics since 2006 have cumulatively changed the lives of millions, is the most gratifying feeling.

Functional neurology is defined by the American College of Functional Neurology as (paraphrased) a healthcare specialty focused on assessing the process causing the varying degrees of neurological dysfunction and restoring its integrity through the prescription of physical (sensory and motor) and cognitive modalities, and when necessary, nutrients and medications.

Whether it’s in a 1-on-1 consulting capacity, or In each course that I create, I try to be the Rosetta Stone between the scientific literature and the provider in the clinic. I have discovered that I learn complex information in 2 ways: by analogies and by hands-on, real-life scenarios. So naturally, all of my educational modules are always filled with analogies, hands-on applications, and stories of my successes and more importantly my failures.

Do you have something that you or your organization want to learn about? I’d love to share my knowledge with you and your peers. Just contact me.

Organizations

My mission is to transform healthcare and performance training by delivering education on and implementing the practice of functional neurology. However, I cannot do that alone.

Over the years, through my affiliation with the Carrick Institute, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many organizations- from professional sports teams to state and national professional organizations, and many private practices- to create and implement components of functional neurology into their organization.

I have had the privilege to create and deliver every type of educational experience from podcasts, online lectures, teleconferences, and 20-minute keynote presentations to 350-hour neurology curricula, to groups from 10 to 10,000. In some scenarios, organizations have asked me to deliver selected topics from my list of previously offered topics. Other times, they have asked me to create and deliver topics of specific interest that fit their individual needs.

I have presented for associations around the world on Ethics, Medical Errors, Documentation, Risk Management, and general education on a myriad of neurology-related topics.  If it involves the brain, I can speak on it on every level: from a lay-person’s perspective to that of an expert panelist.

How can I help your organization learn and implement functional neurology?

His patients refer to him as "the best funtional neurologist."

Dr. Antonucci stands among the world’s best functional neurologists, renowned for his innovative approach to treating complex neurological disorders, with global recognition in treating Persisting Post-Concussive Symptoms (PPCS). As a board-certified chiropractic neurologist and functional neurologist with numerous sub-specialties, Dr. A’s career is marked by a commitment to advancing brain health and neurological recovery for patients around the world. His expertise encompasses a wide array of neurological conditions, from traumatic brain injuries and post-concussion syndrome to movement disorders and vestibular dysfunction, and his treatment protocols are informed by cutting-edge research and extensive clinical experience.

With an academic foundation in chiropractic medicine from Life University and advanced training from institutions including the Carrick Institute, the Institute for Functional Medicine, and A4M, Dr. Antonucci’s practice integrates the best of traditional neurology and functional medicine. He combines advanced neurorehabilitation techniques with a holistic understanding of brain function, ensuring his patients receive personalized, evidence-based care that addresses both symptoms and underlying neurological function.

Dr. A’s impact extends beyond patient care. As a Professor of Neurology at the Carrick Institute, he has shared his expertise with healthcare professionals across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond, making his insights into functional neurology, brain health, and therapeutic innovation accessible to audiences worldwide. Mentored by Dr. Ted Carrick, his father-in-law, Dr. Antonucci has built on foundational principles in functional neurology while contributing his own groundbreaking work in patient care, research, and education, particularly in Persisting Post-Concussive Symptoms (PPCS).

Education and Certifications in Functional Neurology

Dr. Antonucci’s academic and professional journey has established him as a preeminent authority in functional neurology and chiropractic functional neurology. He earned his Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine from Life University in Marietta, Georgia, where his passion for brain health and neurology first took root. Motivated by a drive to further his expertise in brain function and neurological disorders, Dr. A pursued extensive postgraduate training, including specialized coursework with the Carrick Institute, the Institute for Functional Medicine, and A4M (American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine). In the realm of chiropractic care, he has completed training in chiropractic biophysics (CBP), Pettibon Technique, Activator Technique, SOT, Full Spine, and Gonstead, as well as in the areas of spinal trauma and extremity manipulation.

To develop a comprehensive toolset for patient care and educational instruction, Dr. Antonucci has also expanded his training in traditional neurology, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. This approach allows him to effectively address a wide range of neurological issues, including post-concussion syndrome, tremor disorders, multiple sclerosis, movement disorders, limb weakness, and other chronic neurological conditions. His expertise in both traditional and functional approaches to health care reflects his commitment to improving patient outcomes through an integrative, multidisciplinary strategy.

Dr. Antonucci is a board-certified chiropractic neurologist with active certification from the American Chiropractic Neurology Board (ACNB). Additionally, he is a board-certified functional neurologist with the American College of Functional Neurology and holds sub-specialty certifications in childhood developmental disorders, vestibular rehabilitation, neurochemistry and nutrition, and brain injury and rehabilitation. For his remarkable contributions to the profession, Dr. Antonucci was inducted as one of the youngest lifetime Fellows of the International College of Chiropractors.

Teaching Functional Neurology

As of 2024, Dr. A has made an impressive global impact on functional neurology through his lectures, having created dozens of specialized courses that he has delivered hundreds of times. He has taught approximately 2,000 hours of lecture material to healthcare professionals around the world, covering a wide range of neurological and functional neurology topics. His courses span 32 out of 50 U.S. states and four Canadian provinces, and internationally, he has lectured in the Netherlands, Germany, France, Norway, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Spain, Dubai, Singapore, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico.

Dr. Antonucci’s teaching covers a spectrum of topics and areas of expertise, reflected in the extensive list of courses he has developed, including:

  • A Functional Neurological Approach to Stroke Rehabilitation
  • Applying Neuroscience in Clinical Practice
  • Assessing the Human Nervous System
  • Assessment and Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease
  • Assessment of Primitive/Retained Reflexes
  • Brain-Based Manipulation
  • Carrick Institute's Concussion Bootcamp
  • Cerebellar Function and Pathology
  • Chiropractic Management of Rest-Resistant Concussion
  • Clinical Applications of Joint Manipulation
  • Clinical Applications of Neurology for the Cervical Spine
  • Clinical Applications of the Superior Colliculus: Visual, Cognitive, Motor, and Spatial Rehab
  • Clinical Neuroscience for Practicing Chiropractors
  • Concussion Baseline Testing
  • Cranial Nerves: Assessment and Function
  • Creating the Perfect Concussion Baseline
  • Functional Neurology Essentials
  • Functional Neurology Management of Concussion (Level 1)
  • Functional Neurology Management of Concussion (Level 2)
  • Introduction to Movement Disorders
  • Introduction to Receptor-Based Essentials
  • Introduction to Vestibular Rehabilitation
  • Lobes of the Brain
  • Managing Concussions in the Elite Athlete
  • Neurological Applications of Sensory Entrainment
  • NeuroPerformance Bootcamp
  • Physical Examination
  • RBE1: Foundational Concepts in Clinical Neuroscience
  • RBE2: Harnessing Receptor Systems
  • RBE3: Autonomics: Fuel, Flow, Function
  • RBE4: Reflex, Motor, and Cognition
  • Receptor-Based Essentials
  • Reducing Medical Errors: Chiropractic's Role in the Opioid Epidemic
  • Reducing Medical Errors: Fall Prevention
  • Shining Light on TBI: Transcranial Photobiomodulation
  • Sports Performance Enhancement after Concussion
  • The Brain’s Role in Spinal Integrity
  • The Care Continuum for TBI Patients
  • The Current State of Chiropractic Research: Neurology
  • The G-Factor of Intelligence
  • The Neurology of Decision Making (Ethics)
  • The Neurophysiology of Alcohol Intoxication
  • The Pervasive Effects of Vestibular Dysfunction
  • The Third Dimension of Vestibular Rehabilitation
  • Tools, Technology, and Therapies for Brain Rehabilitation
  • Unpacking the Altered Sense of Self Caused by a Concussion
  • Vestibular Rehabilitation in Sports Pathology and Performance

Dr. Antonucci’s courses emphasize complex yet accessible topics, including vestibular rehabilitation, functional neurological disorders, movement disorders, and advanced therapeutic techniques for neurological symptoms. By presenting intricate neurological concepts in actionable formats, Dr. A equips functional neurologists and other healthcare providers with the tools to elevate patient outcomes and improve the quality of care in functional neurology practices.

Research Publications in Functional Neurology

Dr. Antonucci has a prolific record of research publications in functional neurology, contributing valuable insights into multi-modal neurorehabilitation, brain function optimization, and treatment strategies for complex neurological disorders. His work has been featured in respected journals, such as Frontiers in Neurology, Neurotrauma Reports, and Journal of Functional Neurology, Rehabilitation, and Ergonomics. His research covers a range of studies, including case reports, retrospective chart reviews, and randomized controlled trials on neurological disease and functional symptoms.

Selected Publications:

  • Retrospective Chart Reviews
    • Ross, E.A., Hines, R.B., Hoffmann, M., Jay, K., & Antonucci, M.M. Multi-Modal Neurorehabilitation for Persisting Post-Concussion Symptoms. Neurotrauma Reports, 2023.
    • Antonucci, M.M., & Jay, K. Symptom Amelioration in 798 Patients with Complex Neurological Disorders Following a 5-Day Intensive Multimodal Neurorehabilitation Program. Neurology, 96(15_supplement), 2021.
    • Carrick, F.R., Clark, J.F., Pagnacco, G., Antonucci, M.M., Hankir, A., Zaman, R., & Oggero, E. Head–Eye Vestibular Motion Therapy Affects Mental and Physical Health of Severe Chronic Post-Concussion Patients. Frontiers in Neurology, 8:414, 2017.
  • Randomized Controlled Trials
    • Carrick, F.R., Pagnacco, G., Oggero, E., Esposito, S., Duffy, J., Antonucci, M.M., Barton, D., Shores, J., & Stephens, D.M. The Effects of Off Vertical Axis and Multiplanar Vestibular Rotational Stimulation on Balance Stability and Limits of Stability. Journal of Functional Neurology, Rehabilitation, and Ergonomics, 3:2, 341-360, 2013.

Dr. A’s dedication to research not only advances functional neurology but also shapes the clinical care provided to patients with complex neurological conditions. His contributions have influenced best practices and set benchmarks for care in functional neurology centers globally.

Experiences in Functional Neurology Patient Care

Dr. Antonucci’s extensive experience in patient care spans a wide range of neurological conditions, focusing on functional neurology and personalized treatment plans. Through his work at NeuroSynergy Associates, PA, Dr. A has developed specialized treatment protocols to integrate multimodal neurorehabilitation to restore optimal brain and nervous system function while enhancing patient quality of life. A recognized expert in brain injury rehabilitation, Dr. Antonucci has provided care for thousands of patients from across the globe, offering advanced therapies for chronic neurological symptoms. His patient-centered approach emphasizes functional outcomes, tailoring therapy to meet individual needs and improve everyday functioning. Dr. A’s clinical expertise has made him a trusted provider for patients seeking innovative solutions for neurological recovery and brain health optimization.

Dr. Antonucci specializes in a comprehensive range of neurological conditions, offering targeted treatments to address the unique needs of each patient. His expertise spans multiple areas within functional neurology, including the management and rehabilitation of traumatic brain injuries and persistent post-concussion symptoms, vestibular disorders, Parkinson's Disease and essential tremors, hypoxic brain injuries, developmental disorders, and degenerative conditions. His approach and other complex neurological dysfunctions. Dr. Antonucci is also recognized for employing evidence-based approaches to restore neurological function and improve patients’ quality of life.

In addition to a fellowship in brain injury rehabilitation, Dr. A is specialty-boarded in neurochemistry and nutrition, childhood developmental disorders, and vestibular rehabilitation. His holistic approach incorporates advanced therapies to optimize brain function, alleviate neurological symptoms, and enhance nervous system health. Dr. Antonucci’s dedication to delivering high-quality care ensures that each patient receives a personalized treatment plan informed by the latest advancements in neurological therapy and functional medicine.

Relationship with Prof. Ted Carrick

Dr. Antonucci’s journey in functional neurology is forever shaped by the unparalleled mentorship of Dr. Ted Carrick, a pioneer and revered figure in the field. For several years, Dr. A had the rare and precious opportunity to work one-on-one as Dr. Carrick’s fellow, a time that became the foundation of his career and approach to patient care. In every moment together, Dr. Carrick instilled a dedication to excellence, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. Through him, Dr. Antonucci learned that there is always more to discover, that complacency has no place in the pursuit of healing, and that every patient deserves undivided attention and unyielding effort.

Dr. Carrick taught him that to truly serve patients means to never give up, to search until every question has an answer. His guidance went far beyond medical knowledge; he taught Dr. Antonucci the art of listening, the importance of presence, and the grace of humility. Today, Dr. A strives to emulate Dr. Carrick in every patient interaction, guided by the principles he has been privileged to learn from the man he respects most. Dr. Antonucci’s gratitude runs deeply, both for the teachings that transformed him and for Dr. Carrick’s ongoing availability to consult—day or night, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Over time, Dr. Carrick became not only a mentor but family. Dr. Antonucci and Dr. Carrick’s daughter, Trish, built a life of love and partnership, sharing five wonderful children together and a strong, joyful family. Their relationship, founded on deep love and respect, has enriched Dr. Antonucci’s life in ways beyond words. In Dr. Carrick, Dr. A has not only found a lifelong mentor but also a cherished father-in-law, bringing two great passions—family and functional neurology—together in an unexpected and beautiful way. It is because of all of Dr. Carrick's efforts that Dr. Antonucci is widely regarded by many as the best functional neurologist in health care globally, with a reputation for advancing patient outcomes through specialized, integrative approaches.

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