Neurological Rehabilitation Clinics & Information on Neurological Rehabilitation

Neurological rehabilitation is necessary in the following cases:

• Stroke
• Infectious diseases of the nervous system
• Cerebrovascular diseases or
• Muscle disorders

Stroke

Stroke is the primary concern. It is one of the most common diseases. It often leads to disabilities and, unfortunately, to death. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that strokes are the second leading cause of death worldwide.

Headaches are harmless in most cases, but they can also indicate a serious brain disorder.

A stroke (apoplexy, cerebral infarction) is a sudden disruption of blood flow in the brain @ Viacheslav Yakobchuk /AdobeStock

Infectious Diseases of the Nervous System

Viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens can also infect the brain. Meningitis occurs when the meninges are affected. In encephalitis, the entire brain is affected.

Vascular diseases of the brain

The brain relies on a constant supply of blood and oxygen. If blood flow is disrupted, a stroke can occur.

The symptoms of a cerebral hemorrhage are similar to those of a stroke.

The following factors can lead to circulatory disorders:

• Elevated blood lipids
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Smoking or
• lack of exercise

Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease of the brain or spinal cord. Multiple sclerosis is caused by a malfunction of the immune system.

Polyneuropathies—such as numbness, pain, or paralysis—are characteristic of this disease. The symptoms are most noticeable in the feet. This condition most commonly occurs in people with alcoholism and in those with untreated or poorly controlled diabetes.

Muscle Disorders

Many neurological disorders are accompanied by muscle weakness or muscle wasting. The causes often lie in the peripheral nervous system, the brain itself, or the spinal cord. True muscle disorders, however, originate directly within the muscle.

If symptoms suggest a neurological disorder, a specialist should make the diagnosis. In this case, a neurologist is the first choice.

Even though neurological disorders are often serious conditions, there are excellent treatments available. Neurological rehabilitation can often work wonders.

What makes neurological rehabilitation unique is that it proceeds in different phases. These phases do not follow one another chronologically but are determined by the neurological severity and extent of damage in each individual patient.

• Phase A: This is acute care in the hospital. After initial treatment, patients are assigned to phases B through G. It is important to note that not every rehabilitation clinic can offer the full range of therapies.
• Phase B: Intensive medical care is required, but not every clinic can provide it. The technical and staffing requirements are too high. Patients are bedridden and are often unconscious or in a state of impaired consciousness.
• Phase C: This means that the patient is generally able to move around and lead an independent life, albeit with some limitations.
• Phase D: This is the follow-up treatment (AHB) after the completion of early mobilization. The patient can eat, wash, and dress independently. They are able to participate in group activities and can actively engage in therapy on their own.
• Phase E: This is follow-up rehabilitation. The goal of treatment is to stabilize and further improve the results achieved. The focus here is on promoting vocational and social reintegration.
• Phase F: Is for patients who still suffer from functional impairments. It is designed as long-term rehabilitation.
• Phase G: Is for assisted or supported living. Here, too, the goal is to help patients achieve a self-determined life over the long term.

The goal is to guide patients from one phase to the next in order to improve their ability to function in daily life.

Neurological rehabilitation is for patients in whom a neurological disorder has caused mild to severe physical impairment. It provides a medical pathway back to an active life.