Frequently Asked Questions

PEDROCIT is a revolutionary treatment methodology developed by Dr. Victor M. Pedro after treating a broad range of brain-based disorders and brain injuries for more than 20 years. PEDROCIT consists of two phases: diagnostic and therapeutic.

During the diagnostic phase, the patient undergoes a series of comprehensive diagnostic tests, which enable Dr. Pedro to examine the efferent (sensory) neural pathways until he finds the injured or underperforming pathway.

During the therapeutic phase, the patient performs several non-invasive audio, visual, visual-motor and proprioceptive activities that are used to activate and heal the injured or underperforming areas of the brain, or to optimize areas of the brain around the injured/problematic areas. For example, exercises could include visual (eye movement) tracking and pursuit activities, among others.

The healing of the brain is accomplished over time through a series of individualized therapeutic sessions.

PEDROCIT can address several health conditions that affect mobility, motor coordination, chronic pain, speech, balance, and other serious difficulties that prevent people from living a productive and fulfilling life.

These conditions include:

• Apraxia
• Concussion
• Developmental disorders
• Migraine headaches
• Movement disorders
• Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Vertigo or dizziness

PEDROCIT detects and stabilizes abnormal structural and functional brain lesions – resulting from acquired brain injury or developmental disabilities – much differently than standard medical practices.

To diagnose the area or source of brain dysfunction (or underperformance), PEDROCIT uses objective measures to identify functional changes across a wide range of neurological systems (brain domains), including pupillary responses, motor systems, the autonomic system and the vestibular system.

PEDROCIT uses an algorithm-based approach to analyze these objective measurements and to more accurately pinpoint the source, scope and severity of neurological damage.

Once a diagnosis is established, Dr. Pedro then determines how best to stabilize and repair brain function using a combination of audio, visual, visual-motor, and proprioceptive activities. A detailed treatment plan includes recommendations for the type, duration, and frequency of noninvasive treatments to help the patient quickly recover optimal brain functionality. Dr. Pedro’s knowledge of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology in combination with his customized treatment plans make the PEDROCIT approach an often successful and unique method to treat a variety of neurological disorders.

This approach of precise diagnosis and active treatment is a profound departure from present day medical practices for acquired brain injury and dysfunction, which typically entail passive rest and intermittent monitoring. Rather than managing symptoms, PEDROCIT identifies and treats the underlying neurophysiological dysfunction or injury.

Furthermore, PEDROCIT can achieve improved brain function without requiring medication or surgery. In addition to its effectiveness, PEDROCIT is also:

• cost effective, and
• likely to help patients avoid additional (and costly) therapies due to improved brain functioning (For example, many chronic pain patients come off their medications and no longer require extensive rehabilitation or other supportive services.)

We have treated more than 1,000 patients since 2000, when Dr. Pedro pioneered the development of PEDROCIT. Several of our former patients felt compelled to share their testimonials, including singer-songwriter Paula Abdul.

Like any credible medical practice, we cannot guarantee or state each patient’s probability for success. However, our initial evaluation process enables us to identify patients who are likely to benefit from PEDROCIT® treatment. Furthermore, we accept only those patients we believe we can help.

Unfortunately, we must decline patients who show minimal response during an initial evaluation, as well as those with moderate to severe substance abuse problems, which can significantly reduce positive treatment outcomes. If we can’t help you, we will recommend what we believe is your best course of action.

Once it has been determined that you may be a possible candidate for PEDROCIT®, the next step would be to schedule an in-person, comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Pedro. The evaluation gives us a working hypothesis of how to treat your underlying problem. This evaluation, which can take two to four hours, involves diagnosis and, if warranted, a trial PEDROCIT treatment to confirm our diagnosis. Aside from shaping a customized treatment plan, this information allows us to assess your likelihood of success.

Our comprehensive evaluation includes a thorough medical records review, taking your medical history, and providing physical, orthopedic, and neurological examinations. Diagnostic testing includes balance (Computerized Posturography), eye (Video Nystagmography), and brain sequencing and timing tests using state-of-the-art medical and scientific equipment and software. Each evaluation also includes a written report of our findings (data analysis), a feedback session, and a trial treatment to confirm our working diagnosis.

During the evaluation process, the length and frequency of the treatment will be discussed. Since each treatment plan is individually customized, the duration of treatment may vary from a few days to a more extended amount of time. During treatment, we will continually monitor your progress and will adjust your treatment plan as necessary. You may complete treatment ahead of schedule or you may require more time depending on your progress.

Each treatment session is typically one hour.

Our goal is to promote adaptive plasticity and, therefore, improve the brain’s functioning over time. In addition to treatment sessions, you may be required to do ‘homework’ – a series of assignments and exercises, which will reinforce the treatments received in the office. Our staff will design a series of activities that are specific to each patient.

Patients may undergo a combination of balance (Computerized Posturography), eye (Video Nystagmography), and brain sequencing and timing tests similar to what they experienced during the diagnostic phase. The proportion of these activities depends on the patient’s specific condition and progress being made over the course of treatment.

Group Insurance: PEDROCIT® is a non-covered service. Patients may pay for services privately if they wish and payment is due the first day treatment begins. We accept cash and checks only. We do not accept credit cards.

Not at this time.

It is important for Dr. Pedro and his staff to have a clear understanding of your past and current medical history. Our office will provide you with information on having your medical records released to us.

Yes. Our founder and director, Dr. Victor M. Pedro, is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese. In addition, we provide qualified interpreters upon request. Please call our office at 401-781-3374.

Please have any necessary paperwork and medical records forwarded at your earliest convenience so Dr. Pedro and his team have adequate time to review them in advance of your arrival.

During an evaluation session, which can take two to four hours, you might be required to go through a series of repetitive physical exercises and tests. Please make sure to dress comfortably and wear several layers of clothing.

Our patients have traveled from as far as California and overseas, but they typically hail from the mid-Atlantic and northeastern United States.