Neurological rehab is used for follow-up treatment of patients with neurological diseases such as stroke, traumatic brain injury or multiple sclerosis. Further information on the illnesses that are treated as part of neurological rehabilitation and the various phases of neurological rehabilitation can be found below.
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Leading Medicine Guide Editors
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Neurosurgical rehabilitation - Further information
Life does not always turn out the way we imagine. Suddenly, illnesses or accidents occur that were not expected. But age can also lead to loss of physical functions. These functional disorders make everyday life more difficult and restrict us.
In the case of neurological diseases, neurological rehabilitation can bring about many small improvements, enabling us to face everyday life with courage and strength again. One aim of neurological rehabilitation, for example, is to allay patients' fears and show them how they can regain their quality of life step by step.
The earlier targeted therapy begins, the greater the chances of extensive improvement in neurological damage. Neurological rehabilitation should take place immediately after clinical treatment.
It is important that the therapy is individually tailored to the patient and their needs. Physical and mental abilities can thus be specifically rebuilt in a rehabilitation center.
Which neurological diseases are treated with neurological rehab?
Neurological rehabilitation is necessary after a stroke, infectious diseases of the nervous system, vascular diseases of the brain or muscle diseases, for example.
Stroke
First and foremost is a stroke. It is one of the most common diseases in our country and often leads to disability, but unfortunately also to death. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that strokes are the second most common cause of death worldwide.
Headaches are harmless in most cases, but they can also indicate a serious brain disease.
A stroke (apoplexy) is a sudden circulatory disorder in the brain @ Viacheslav Yakobchuk /AdobeStock
Infectious diseases of the nervous system
The brain can also be affected by viruses, bacteria or pathogens. Meningitis occurs when the meninges are affected. Encephalitis is a disease in which the entire brain is affected.
Vascular diseases of the brain
The brain is dependent on a constant supply of blood and oxygen. If the blood supply is disturbed, a stroke can occur. The symptoms of a cerebral hemorrhage are very similar to a stroke. Elevated blood lipids, diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking or lack of exercise can lead to circulatory disorders.
Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease of the brain or spinal cord. Multiple sclerosis is caused by a dysregulation of the immune system. Polyneuropathies, i.e. a feeling of numbness, pain or paralysis, characterize this disease. The symptoms are particularly noticeable in the feet. This disease occurs most frequently in alcoholics and in untreated or poorly controlled diabetes.
Brain haemorrhages can be epidural haematomas (located between the skull bones and the dura mater) or subdural haematomas (located further in between the dura and arachnoid) @ designua /Adobestock
Muscular diseases
Many neurological diseases are accompanied by muscle weakness or muscle atrophy. The causes often lie in the peripheral nervous system, in the brain itself or in the spinal cord. However, actual muscle diseases are located directly in the muscle.
If there are symptoms that indicate a neurological disease, a diagnosis should always be made by a specialist. In this case, a neurologist is the first choice. Even though neurological diseases are often classified as very serious illnesses, the therapies are excellent and neurological rehabilitation often works wonders.
Phases of neurological rehab
The special feature of neurological rehabilitation is that it is divided into different phases. However, the phases are not simply treated chronologically one after the other, but are based on the neurological severity and damage of the individual patient.
The aim of neurological rehabilitation is for the patient to be able to participate in public and social life again and master their everyday life as independently as possible @ Robert Kneschke /AdobeStock
- Phase A is acute care in the clinic. After initial treatment, the patient is divided into phases B to G. It should be noted that not every rehabilitation clinic can offer the full therapy program.
- Phase B is necessary for intensive medical care, but cannot be provided in every clinic. The technical and personnel costs are too high. Patients are bedridden and are often unconscious or unconsciousness-impaired.
- Phase C means that the patient can usually move around and lead an independent life, albeit with restrictions.
- Phase D is considered follow-up treatment (AHB) after completion of early mobilization. The patient can eat, wash and dress independently. They are able to participate in groups and can work independently in therapy.
- Phase E is follow-up rehabilitation. The aim of the treatment is to stabilize and further improve the success of the treatment. Professional and social integration is promoted.
- Phase F is for patients who are still suffering from impaired abilities. It is designed as long-term rehabilitation.
- Phase G is for assisted or supported living. Here too, the aim is to help patients lead a self-determined life over a long period of time.
What is the aim of neurological rehab?
The aim of neurological rehab is to guide patients from one phase to the next and to gradually improve their everyday skills. Neurological rehab is for patients who have suffered mild to severe physical damage as a result of a neurological disease. It represents a medical path back to an active life.
