Neuromuscular Rehabilitation

Neuromuscular diseases remain a concern in the public health system. Studies also show an increase in the prevalence of certain neuromuscular diseases over the last decades. In one study, researchers compared data between 1990 and 2014. There was a higher prevalence of Becker muscular dystrophy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, myotonic dystrophy, and facioscapulohumeral dystrophy noted.

Damage from these diseases can result in adverse effects that affect a patient’s quality of life. In these scenarios, the utilization of neuromuscular rehabilitation can be helpful to the patient. Both adult and pediatric departments for neuromuscular rehabilitation exist, and treatments can be customized to suit the individual. We take a closer look at current diseases that require rehabilitation and how these services can benefit the patient.

Table of Contents

Role Of The Neuromuscular System

The neuromuscular system is a collective term that refers to the nerves and muscles found in the human body. These parts of the body connect to the brain, allowing signals to be sent from the brain toward nerve and muscle tissue. The neuromuscular system plays numerous roles in the body.

Upon movement, the brain needs to communicate with the legs to move. In this scenario, nerves are used as communication channels to help the legs move – allowing a person to move around.

Apart from nerves and muscles, there are other body parts that also form part of the neuromuscular system. This includes neurons – including both sensory and motor neurons. The combination of these parts is often referred to as the neural circuit. The brain and spinal cord are generally also considered essential parts of the neuromuscular system.

When problems develop with the neuromuscular system, movement, nerve communication, and several other bodily functions can be affected.

What Is Neuromuscular Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is generally an important part of a treatment program for individuals who have undergone a surgical procedure. Those who have certain diseases, however, may also benefit from the services provided during rehabilitation. Neuromuscular rehabilitation is an important part of the healthcare industry, providing essential services to patients with conditions and injuries affecting this system.

Neuromuscular rehabilitation involves two important aspects for patients with a related condition. This includes ensuring appropriate treatments are initiated for the patient. Additionally, rehabilitation also consists of the evaluation process – ensuring a patient can be monitored and appropriate adjustments are made to their treatments as needed.

This rehabilitation service is often provided to patients as part of an outpatient treatment program. This allows patients to visit a local facility on scheduled days for specific treatment. In cases of more severe disease, rehabilitation treatment may rather be provided as an in-patient service. In this scenario, the patient is admitted to a ward and closely monitored while they are treated.

Diseases That Require Neuromuscular Rehabilitation

Several conditions require neuromuscular rehabilitation services to help the patient recover effectively. Even when the patient suffers long-term damage due to an event like an accident or stroke, certain rehabilitation services may still yield improvements in functionality and mobility.

We take a closer look at neuromuscular conditions that generally benefit from the implementation of a rehabilitation program.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a condition that affects various parts of the neuromuscular system, including the brain. It is estimated that about 60,000 adults in the United States are diagnosed with the disease every year. Among a worldwide population, Parkinson’s Disease is estimated to affect at least 10 million individuals.

The brain condition is known to cause a patient to shake and experience stiffness throughout their body. The shaking can become severe, negatively impacting the person’s ability to perform day-to-day activities. Patients with Parkinson’s Disease will often experience poor balance and have trouble with their coordination. Walking can eventually become a struggle as well. Parkinson’s is a type of progressive disease, which means it gets worse over time.

Rehabilitation can be provided to patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Neuromuscular rehabilitation will often include physical therapy. This technique helps to provide improved balance in the patient. When balance is improved, the risk of falling can be effectively reduced. The therapy will also focus on improving posture and gait, while also enhancing the functions of the upper limbs.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Nerves run through the spinal cord and then branches out to various parts of the body. The brain sends messages through these nerves. When the spinal cord is injured, there are numerous problems that can develop – including paralysis in some patients.

In the United States, over 17,000 cases of spinal cord injuries are reported every year. The majority of patients with spinal cord injuries are male – accounting for 78% of all these cases. It is estimated that there are up to 368,000 individuals in the United States living with a spinal cord injury.

An injury to the spinal cord can lead to autonomic dysfunction, respiratory dysfunction, sexual problems, a dysfunction in the urological system, and problems with the patient’s gastrointestinal tract. Spasticity is another common problem noted among individuals who suffered a spinal cord injury.

The implementation of neuromuscular rehabilitation in these patients may assist in improving the functioning of affected body parts. In cases where paralysis is experienced, the patient’s limbs are kept active through rehabilitation. This ensures blood continues to flow through these parts, reducing the risk of complications and even amputation in the long run.

Brain Injuries

Every year, over 2.8 million cases of brain injuries are recorded in the United States. Each day in the country, an estimated 155 individuals pass away due to a traumatic brain injury. Patients who survive such an injury may experience a number of complications – ranging from functional problems to dysfunctions with certain bodily systems.

A patient with a brain injury may experience damage to blood vessels in the area, consistent headaches, vertigo, and hydrocephalus. The risk of infection increases and these individuals are more likely to suffer seizures.

There are several ways that neuromuscular rehabilitation may be helpful for patients with brain injuries. The specific techniques provided depend on the severity of the injury, as well as the complications that developed. Physical therapy and additional treatments may be provided.

Neuropathy

Nerves run throughout the entire body. They control functions from the movement of a toe to running at a fast pace on a track. Neuropathy is a condition that adversely affects the various nerves in the body. The term can refer to a condition that causes nerve dysfunction. In other cases, the term neuropathy is used to describe damaged nerves. The condition can be diagnosed even when just a single nerve is damaged from a condition like diabetes.

It is most common for people to start experiencing signs of neuropathy either in their feet or hands. This, however, is not the only part of the body that may be affected. Neuropathy sometimes starts to manifest in other areas of the body. As the damage progresses, larger areas of the body may be affecting – causing weakness, a tingling sensation, and potential complications.

To assist in promoting circulation and reduce further nerve damage, patients with neuropathy are often advised to undergo neuromuscular rehabilitation. While certain medications may form part of the treatment plan, rehabilitation will often offer the patient access to physical therapy services.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects both the spinal cord and the brain – both parts of the neuromuscular system. By targeting the central nervous system, the condition often results in disabling complications for the patient. The condition develops when the patient’s immune system starts to attach the myelin that covers their nerves. Myelin is a protective barrier found around nerve fibers. When the myelin is attached, nerve communication is disrupted. Thus, problems occur when the brain tries to communicate with other parts of the patient’s body.

In the United States, almost one million individuals have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. At a global scale, it is estimated that about 2.3 million individuals have the disease.

While a cure is not available for multiple sclerosis, certain treatments can be used to help the patient. The patient can be admitted to neuromuscular rehabilitation, which will introduce them to several techniques that could improve bodily functions. 

Stroke

A stroke is a deadly event that can occur unexpectedly. The CDC estimates that in the United States, a death event related to a stroke is recorded every four minutes. More than 790,000 people in the country suffer a stroke each year.

When a person has a stroke, brain matter may be damaged. This can cause a range of different complications – some of which can cause significant interference with the patient’s mobility and general functioning.

Neuromuscular rehabilitation is an important technique provided to stroke patients. Patients are evaluated during the rehabilitation process. Physical therapy and related services help the patient improve the functioning of their limbs.

Why CMRC?

CMRC Hospital is the specialized provider for Long-term Care and rehabilitation services in Saudi Arabia. With one main facilities in Saudi Arabia, which are designed in a rehabilitation and long-term care hospital with a capacity of 66 beds.

CMRC provides an interdisciplinary clinical approach for Vent Rehabilitation Services which is customized for adults, adolescents, and children. The best rehabilitation services are not only our goal but our ultimate objective is to customize the care plan for each patient and make sure that the patient’s family and their members are integrated into the treatment plan.

When you joined Saudi Arabia hospital for any kind of our rehabilitation services or even for long-term care you will feel as if you are at #Your Second Home.