Neurological rehabilitation or new neurorehab techniques is today one of the great unknown. And, despite the importance of this in the quality of life of the patient after suffering brain damage or being diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease. There are still many people who believe that nothing can be done. Sometimes due to ignorance, given that doctors, neurologists, and other health professionals have not explained what the consequences and limitations of the disease are. And other times, due to the difficulty to understand the importance of specialized rehabilitation in this type of patients.
Since on many occasions it is believed that any rehabilitation service is valid to treat neurological patients. And it is at that moment, in which, I am forced to respond to all those who believe that everything goes with a resounding NO. And this is when you will all ask yourself and why?
Because a neurological patient cannot be treated similarly to any other patient without neurological injury. Since their needs and problems are very different from those of other patients. And as such, they need specialized therapeutic treatment.
But how is neurological rehabilitation different from conventional rehabilitation?
Neurological rehabilitation or neurorehabilitation has as main objective to return to the person affected by a lesion in the Central Nervous System the greatest degree of functionality and autonomy in their daily life. Based on this, on the principles of neuroscience, specifically on the principle of neuroplasticity. Which allows the Central Nervous System to be able to modify its function and structure according to the endogenous or exogenous influences that appear. In order to respond to different injuries, environmental modifications, physiological demands, and experiences.
However, despite the fact that neuroplasticity contributes to motor recovery after suffering a brain injury. Through the acquisition of new skills and compensation of lost functions. It should be taken into account that the brain injury itself, together with the environment surrounding the person, will direct this neuroplasticity towards a positive or negative sense. Thus, it is possible to enhance motor function and favor the functional recovery process. Or on the contrary, it can weaken the motor function and limit its recovery.
What does this mean?
Well, neuroplasticity is the fundamental basis for the rehabilitation of any pathology whose origin is neurological. And hence the great complexity of treating neurorehabilitation. Since the challenge of adequate neurological rehabilitation is given by the therapist’s ability to learn enough about the mechanisms of neuroplasticity. In order to modulate and guide them, to form new neuronal connections that result in adequate positive neuroplasticity. Which, allows to create strong connection paths through functional movements. Which will mark a positive motor learning. Allowing in this way the achievement of the maximum possible functionality according to each case.
Hence the importance of neurological rehabilitation being performed by specialized professionals with experience in the field of neurorehabilitation. Since adequate rehabilitation performed by highly qualified professionals will show positive results in the patient. By providing effective rehabilitation in cases of brain damage. Or an adequate stimulation to slow the progression of the disease in the case of neurodegenerative pathologies. Thus improving the functionality, autonomy, and quality of life of the patient and his family.
Therefore, it is important that:
At the moment a relative or loved one presents a brain injury, seek help. But not in any clinic, but in a specialist in neurorehabilitation. Where treatment focuses on the patient as the center and neuroscience as the basis. Since not, the only thing that will be achieved is that the patient potentiates negative neuroplasticity that can generate:
- Limitations in the recovery process:
- Feeling of the patient of not appreciating improvements.
- And in many cases the abandonment of therapy when thinking that it is worthless.
Therefore, do not hesitate and seek specialized professional help since … “a life saved, deserves to be lived.”