Neurorehabilitation

Neurological rehabilitation, or neurorehabilitation, is a program to help you recover after an injury or diagnosis that affects your nervous system. Your nervous system contains your brain, spinal cord and nerves.

The goals of this treatment are to:

• Improve or maintain the function of your brain and nerves
• Reduce the impact that symptoms have on your body
• Improve quality of life for you and your caregivers

What conditions does neurorehabilitation treat or manage?

A healthcare provider might recommend this treatment if you experience one of the following neurological conditions:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Dementia
• Huntington’s disease
• Mild cognitive impairment
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Stroke
• Traumatic brain injury or head trauma

What are the types of neurorehabilitation?

There are several different types. Some of the most common include:

• Cognitive neurorehabilitation: Treatment to improve brain function, problem-solving, attention, learning and memory.
• Developmental neurorehabilitation: Treatment to address developmental, physical or intellectual disabilities.
• Intensive neurorehabilitation: Treatment for multiple parts of your body and nervous system. It’s usually long-term.
• Pediatric neurorehabilitation: Treatment for children diagnosed with a neurological condition before age 18.

What happens during neurorehabilitation?

During treatment, you’ll meet with expert healthcare providers to assess how an illness or injury affects your nervous system. For example, does it affect how you speak or remember information, how well you can hold a pencil or your ability to walk? These are things that treatment can help you with.

Your providers will create a treatment plan to meet your personal goals. These will focus on your physical, mental and emotional needs. Your treatment plan can help you:

• Complete daily activities like getting dressed, eating and preparing meals, bathing and writing
• Increase your range of motion, strength and balance (to reduce risk of falls)
• Learn how to use adaptive equipment like prosthetics
• Relearn skills that you mastered but lost after illness or injury (speaking, walking, etc.)

To reach these goals, you may participate in:

• Cognitive therapy: Rebuilding brain function and memory
• Occupational therapy: Improving muscle control and coordination
• Physical therapy: Exercising and improving mobility
• Psychotherapy: Developing mental health, stress and emotional health management skills
• Speech therapy: Practicing articulation, swallowing and communication skills

In addition, your care team can help educate you and your loved ones about the illness or injury that affects you, and how others can help you stay safe.

Neurorehabilitation techniques

With advanced technology in healthcare, your providers may use one or several of the following techniques to help you reach your goals during treatment. Some of the most common techniques include:

• Computer-assisted programs: Virtual reality and game-oriented exercises to stimulate physical and mental activity
• Constraint-induced movement therapy: Practicing movement on the affected side of your body (in the case of injury to one side) while preventing movement from the unaffected side of your body
• Noninvasive brain stimulation: Sending electrical or magnetic currents through your scalp to increase brain activity
• Robotic rehabilitation: Learning how to work with wearable devices that support and help you move or complete exercises

What are the potential benefits of neurorehabilitation?

While it isn’t a cure, this type of treatment is a collaborative effort to help you manage your symptoms and feel well enough to go about your daily routine safely. It may help you:

• Improve your mental functioning, mental health, self-esteem and self-confidence
• Learn new skills or how to adapt after an illness or injury
• Regain independence
• Strengthen your muscles

How successful is neurorehabilitation?

Many studies show the success of this treatment. The success may vary based on how active and involved you are in your treatment program.

You’ll learn and develop skills during each session. After learning them, you’ll need to practice incorporating these skills into your daily life and routine. This isn’t an easy process, but with the help and support of your caregivers, you’ll work together to reach your goals.

What are the risks or complications of neurorehabilitation?

Complications are uncommon. You’ll be in the care of highly trained healthcare providers who’ll make sure you’re safe. Possible risks could include:

• Fatigue
• Injuries and falls
• No symptom relief
• Physical or emotional stress
• Sore muscles

How long will I need neurorehabilitation?

The amount of time you’ll need to participate in this treatment varies. Every person’s body heals differently, and it depends on your diagnosis and the severity. Some people participate in programs for several weeks, while others need long-term care that could last for months to years. Your healthcare provider will be able to give you the best time estimate that meets your goals.

Is there anything I can do to make neurorehabilitation easier for me?

Treatment takes hard work and effort. Like an athlete, you’ll need to train to regain your mental and physical strength after an illness or injury that took it from you. Your care team will encourage you to practice the skills you learn outside of treatment. It takes time and energy to master these skills. If you don’t feel safe practicing on your own, especially if you’re at risk of falls or injury, let your healthcare team know. They may have advice to improve your safety.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Contact a healthcare provider if you notice new or worsening symptoms after starting treatment. If you experience a fall or injure yourself, contact 911 or your local emergency services number.

What should I look for in a quality neurorehabilitation program?

An excellent program provides an expert team approach. Each program is different and offers a variety of solutions.

Quality programs create personalized care plans that may include medications, physical activity, daily living skills, nutrition, cognitive rehabilitation, mental health care and clinical trials (if appropriate).

Physical, occupational and speech therapists with specialized neurology training can make a big difference. These professionals use the latest technology, custom exercises and skill-building techniques to help people with neurological conditions improve their quality of life.