Rehabilitation for Stroke
Success with our technology in rehabilitation
At neuroCare our therapists are trained in the use of neuromodulation and neurostimulation, treatment methods which have been successfully used to rehabilitate brain activity. Whilst occupational therapies, speech therapies or physiotherapies are important and necessary in the rehabilitation of motor skills and language, this process requires a lot of time and dedication to have an effective impact. Treating stroke via neurostimulation or neuromodulation is a way to support this process, the "re-training" of our brain, to improve the overall efficacy of the accompanying therapy.
Treating stroke through rehabilitation
There are two approaches when we modulate brain activity to improve recovery after a stroke. Depending on the severity of the stroke and the part of the brain it has affected, therapists will either recommend non-invasive passive treatment methods like neurostimulation (e.g. tDCS, rTMS) or non-invasive active neuromodulation treatment methods (e.g.Neurofeedback).
Neurostimulation therapies like tDCS have an external influence on brain activity. tDCS is able to modulate the brain activity to strengthen networks that have already been activated in the process of recovery (i.e. the exercises you do during physiotherapy). Generally when one area in the brain is damaged it will need time to recuperate, however sometimes this means the healthier side of the brain is too strong. In such cases tDCS can be applied to inhibit the healthier side of the brain in order to strengthen the affected area.
Neuromodulation therapies are also effective in rehabilitation and are used to internally activate a certain brain function. A therapist might apply a technique called Neurofeedback which is also a non-invasive method, like an EEG based Biofeedback. This is a treatment method where the patient would have to meet with their therapist two times a week for a period of 20 weeks (on average), and through EEG patients actively re-learn something from inside the brain. It is much like learning to ride a bike!