Nervous System Disorders: therapy and support
The nervous system is made up of the brain, spinal cord and nerves. It is the body’s communication system that controls much of what your body does. There are a wide range of issues that affect the nervous system, from congenital issues like cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis to acquired issues like stroke and injury. In today's blog we are looking at treatment and support options for neurological disorders.
While any issues within the brain itself need to be treated by a neurologist, neurosurgeon or other specialist, addressing the symptoms and side-effects of these issues can be done with much more accessibility.
Nervous system disorders
When a problem with the nervous system causes physical issues, it’s most commonly related to muscle control. This leads to a range of symptoms, including
- Spasticity
- Rigidity
- Loss of control (partial or full)
- Loss of sensation
- Pain (intermittent or constant)
The management of these symptoms is normally twofold, utilising both therapy and support. The reason for this is that even though full-time therapy can help to restore at least some of the movement, unfortunately most cases will never have full recovery of function.
By using supports like splints, compression and braces, you can compensate for diminished function, and in some cases actually improve the effectiveness of therapy.
Therapy for nervous system disorders
Regular therapy from a medical professional is arguably the most effective and reliable way of helping to treat nervous system issues to help relieve and empower the patient.
This most often takes the form of long-term therapy for cases where there is no full recovery in sight (for example cerebral palsy, MS, severe brain injury), or short-term therapy to bring the patient to a particular point of recovery and ability (for example stroke, nerve damage, drop foot).
This therapy is most often undertaken by an occupation therapist, though in some cases a physiotherapist or neurophysiotherapist will be the main practitioner.
Most of the exercises and treatments here are designed to restore function in the affected area to allow for independent life and activity.
Support for nervous system disorders
Most people suffering from damage to the nervous system will have some kind of impaired movement. This could be as mild as a weakened grip strength or trouble walking in a straight line, or it could be as serious as a full lack of control of the affected limb, sometimes complete paralysis.
While therapy helps, it sometimes only helps to a point, and the use of a brace the provide stability can make the difference between being able to get dressed by yourself or going for a walk.
How a brace can help
It also allows for the person affected to keep one part of their body supported while they focus on another, and often when combined with therapy it has positive results.
For drop foot, chronic ankle instability, spasming wrists or weakness in the arm, using a brace can minimise the negative effects and allow for therapy to work more precisely.
Combining supports and therapy can make a huge difference in the quality of life for those affected by nervous system issues, helping to relieve pain, improve mobility and empower everyday life.
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Bauerfeind products are developed at our innovation and manufacturing facility in Zeulenroda, Germany. Based on years of scientific research, our award-winning braces and support garments are highly recommended by medical professionals and athletes worldwide.
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