Neurorehabilitation is crucial in for the recovery process of neurological disorders or injuries. It can significantly improve quality of life and help regain lost functions. However, current rehabilitation methods can be very time-consuming, making them less accessible for patients with severe or multiple deficits.
Understanding Neuroplasticity
The success of rehabilitation varies widely between patients, largely due to differences in neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to change and adapt as a result of experience or injury. Neuroplasticity is fundamental to many aspects of human experience, including learning new skills, adapting to new situations, recovering from brain injuries, and the general process of cognitive development and aging. Especially after an injury, neuroplasticity allows your brain to find new routes to regain lost functions. New methods are needed to directly target and enhance neuroplasticity in the rehabilitation process.
Introducing Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation (NIBS)
One promising approach is non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS), which can improve rehabilitation outcomes by directly affecting the brain’s neural networks without the risks associated with surgery. NIBS uses techniques like focused electric and electromagnetic fields or ultrasound waves to precisely target and modulate specific brain areas, either increasing or decreasing activity as needed.
Applications of NIBS
NIBS has already been used to treat various conditions, including stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury, chronic pain, and depression. It is also being explored for treating more complex issues such as addiction, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. This technology allows for more personalized rehabilitation programmes tailored to each patient’s unique needs and conditions.
Our Approach at cereneo
At cereneo, we use different NIBS techniques (e.g., tDCS, TMS, tSCS, tVNS) to support rehabilitation. We also help establish international guidelines for the field through our participation in international consortiums like ISRRA and ESOC.
Advancing Neurorehabilitation through Research
We are also researching how the brain recovers from injury to discover new therapeutic targets and are involved in experimental trials exploring new interventions. As NIBS technology advances, it has the potential to enhance rehabilitation, offering significantly better outcomes for those with long-term neurological conditions or injuries.
