Neurological Diseases and Movement Rehabilitation

Neurological diseases impact a person's brain, spine and the connecting nerves. More than 600 types of neurological diseases have been identified, with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), epilepsy, stroke and Parkinson's disease being among the most commonly diagnosed. Traumatic brain and head injuries are also known to cause neurological challenges and disorders.

Often, neurological disorders are diagnosed after a medical issue is detected in another part of the body that connects directly with the person's nervous system. How these conditions impact the central nervous system can be tied to genetic factors, or complex infections or injuries to the brain and spine.

Patients who have neurological diseases can experience a number of symptoms. As the disease progresses, some experience pain, confusion, muscle weakness or a loss of sensation. Others have seizures or even paralysis as a result of their diagnosis.

People who are diagnosed with neurological disorders may experience difficulty with moving various parts of their bodies. While one person may not be able to control his or her movements, and may experience excessive or involuntary movement of body parts (referred to clinically as "hyperkinesia"), another person may find it difficult, if not impossible, to move parts of the body at all (referred to clinically as "hypokinesia").

Rehabilitation: A Tool to Cope with and Manage Neurological Disorders

The University of Maryland Rehabilitation Network offers skilled clinicians, therapeutic approaches and technology to support patients who are experiencing challenges with movement. Our physical, occupational and speech therapists begin by assessing the patient's condition along with his or her challenges, capabilities and goals, and then implementing a customized treatment plan to help each gain or improve movement control.

The UM Rehabilitation Network specialists are recognized as local and national experts in the delivery of rehabilitation services for patients who suffer from neurological diseases and associated movement disorders. Our goal is to help each patient manage their condition through therapy that aims to improve strength, flexibility and balance. As patients improve in these areas, they are able to better cope with their disease, maintain or even increase their levels of independence and ultimately maximize their quality of life.