I know what it’s like to live with symptoms that start taking over your life — because I spent a decade there myself.
Head pressure. Brain fog. Chronic pain. Lightheadedness. Fatigue. Gut issues. Anxiety. Depression. And the frustration of knowing there had to be more to the story.
Functional Neurologist · Sioux Falls, SD
Now I’m a Functional Neurologist working with people experiencing post-concussion symptoms, dysautonomia/POTS, chronic dizziness, and other complex neurological problems.
Husband to Holly. Dad of two. Doctor to people who are ready to keep looking.
I’m Dr. Cooper Dykstra — and helping people understand their brain is what I do.
I’ve been on the other side of this.
For nearly a decade, I lived with chronic pain, head pressure, brain fog, fatigue, lightheadedness, gut issues, anxiety, depression, and the frustration of not fully understanding why I felt the way I did.
That experience shaped more than the doctor I became — it shaped how I listen to people, how deeply I look at complex cases, and why I care so much about the person behind the symptoms.
Today, I’m a Functional Neurologist, husband to Holly, and dad of two. This page is where I share all of it — brain health, the work I do, what I’m learning, and pieces of the life we’re building along the way.
After seeing multiple doctors, including specialists at Mayo Clinic, this high school student with FND had reached a frustrating plateau in his recovery. When his nervous system became fatigued, his muscles would seize and his body could struggle to move the way he wanted it to. Through the Brain Reset Program, we focused on helping his brain better understand and respond to gravity, allowing his nervous system to regulate movement and his muscles to relax more appropriately. His progress became a powerful example of what can happen when you look beyond the diagnosis and address how the brain and body are communicating.
The front door
What if your symptoms are more connected than they seem?
If you’re dealing with dizziness, brain fog, fatigue, headaches, exercise intolerance, post-concussion symptoms, dysautonomia/POTS, or just the feeling that something still isn’t right — there may be more connecting the dots than you’ve been told.
The Brain Reset Program was built for complex cases that need a deeper, more intensive approach. Take this 2-minute quiz to see if your case may be a fit — and whether a Discovery Call makes sense as your next step.
Nutrition
Your brain can’t function at its best without the right fuel.
Nutrition isn’t the answer to every neurological problem, but it changes the environment your brain has to work with. Nutrient-dense, whole foods give your nervous system the building blocks it needs to function, adapt, and recover.
You can’t out-rehab a brain that’s consistently under-fueled.
Brain health is a lifelong practice of lowering your total toxin burden while increasing the nutrients your brain needs to thrive. For me, that means nutrient-dense foods like grass-fed beef and wild-caught salmon, eating mostly whole foods, avoiding seed oils, limiting grains, and being intentional about what comes into our home and bodies.
The choices we make today add up over decades — and may help reduce modifiable risk factors associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Follow along as I share the changes I’m making in my own life to build a healthier brain for the long haul.
Season 1 · The Brain Reset Podcast
Who is Dr. Cooper?
The Brain Reset Podcast is where I break down complex neurological problems in a way that finally makes sense. We’ll talk real cases with real patients, why symptoms get missed, and what your brain may be trying to tell you.
If you know there’s more to your story, let’s take a closer look.
The Brain Reset Program is built for people with complex neurological symptoms who are ready for a deeper, more intensive approach.
It’s not for someone looking for a quick fix, a single treatment, or another person to do the work for them. The people who tend to be the best fit are curious about why they feel the way they do, willing to put in the work, and ready to take an active role in their health.
If that sounds like you, let’s find out if the Brain Reset is the right next step.