Basic Principles of Neurological Rehabilitation in Germany

Neurological rehabilitation is a unique set of medical measures that are aimed at returning a person to the usual rhythm of life. The main purpose is restoring a person’s ability to work and perform the usual actions without outside help. The main contingent of rehabilitation centers are patients with strokes of various origins, children with pathologies of the peripheral and central nervous system, as well as patients with Parkinson’s disease.

When is neurological rehabilitation indicated?

Neurological rehabilitation in Germany daily returns dozens of patients to their usual lives. This type of rehabilitation is especially important for comprehensive recovery after surgical treatment. Such medical measures are fundamental for such pathologies:

● Multiple sclerosis.

● Strokes (both cerebral hemorrhage and ischemic one).

● Head injuries.

● Tumors of the spinal cord and brain.

● Parkinson’s disease.

● Polyneuropathies of various origins (diabetes mellitus, alcohol abuse, etc.).

● Paralysis.

● Tremors.

● Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

● Etc.

The rehabilitation phase is determined on the basis of the Barthel index. It assesses the patient’s ability to eat, take a shower, use the toilet, control bowel and bladder emptying, move independently, climb or descend stairs, etc.

According to the Barthel index and results of neurological and instrumental examination (MRI, CT, etc.), the following types of neurorehabilitation are distinguished:

● Phase A is suitable for patients in the acute phase of the disease, when they are under round-the-clock supervision of specialists.

● Phase B is the stage of early rehabilitation of patients who are still staying in a hospital. However, the patient may be in a usual room, not in the ICU. At this stage, the Barthel index may be up to 25.

● Phase C. At this stage rehabilitation is carried out on an outpatient basis as a patient does not need 24-hour monitoring. The Barthel index is 35-65.

● Phase D. The basic procedures at this stage will be performed in the patient’s house. Supportive therapy will be fully scheduled by specialists step by step. In this period, the Barthel index is 70-100.

Physiotherapy and manual techniques

The main method in the recovery of patients with neurological disorders is physiotherapy. Thanks to improved techniques, many patients return to a full life after serious injuries and neurological pathologies.

Methods that are actively used in the practice of German doctors are:

● Synergetic reflexology according to Pfaffenrot is one of the comprehensive treatment methods. The complex includes osteopathy, manual therapy, acupuncture and reflexology. When using few types of the nervous system stimulation, there is an improvement in motor activity in patients with plegia and paresis by an average of 50%.

● The electrical stimulation method is based on additional stimulation of the affected fibers which significantly increases motor activity.

● Craniosacral therapy. Despite the fact that this method belongs to alternative medicine, it has demonstrated itself as the highly effective one. Craniosacral method causes improvement of blood circulation in the affected tissues, restoration of neurological functions and normalization of the cerebrospinal fluid flow.

● The Castillo-Morales method is a widely used method for the correction of speech disorders, as well as in patients with violation of swallowing and chewing.

● The PNF method (proprioceptive neuromuscular relief). Due to the stimulation of proprioceptors, the patient restores important motor functions and becomes able to fulfil activities of daily living without the outside help.

Where to start choosing a clinic for neurorehabilitation in Germany?

In Germany, there are dozens of specialized centers for neurological rehabilitation. Nevertheless, it is worth paying special attention to the institutions with the highest ratings.

For more specific information, it is better to use the help of Booking Health. Booking Health is a specialist in medical tourism. Many patients have already successfully undergone rehabilitation in German clinics thanks to highly qualified staff who will help you not only in choosing rehabilitation, diagnostic or treatment programs, but will also assist in issuing a visa, arranging flights and transfer. Presence of experienced medical interpreters in the team will be helpful throughout the entire period of treatment.

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