Neurology

A stroke occurs when the blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to the death of brain cells and result in varying levels of impairment depending on the area of the brain affected. Stroke often causes weakness or paralysis on one side of the body (hemiplegia or hemiparesis) along with challenges in speech, balance, coordination, memory and daily activities. Physiotherapy for stroke patients often includes neuromuscular facilitation techniques, balance and gait training, posture correction, functional re-education and task-oriented exercises that help the brain re-learn lost movements through neuroplasticity - the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections.

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system that primarily affects motor control. It occurs due to the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta within the basal ganglia - a brain region responsible for regulating smooth, coordinated movement. The depletion of dopamine disrupts the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neural pathways, leading to the characteristic motor and non-motor symptoms of the condition. symptoms of Parkinson’s: tremors, slowness of movement (bradykinesia), muscle stiffness (rigidity) and balance difficulties (postural instability). Consistent physiotherapy helps improve movement efficiency, posture, balance and confidence. 

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of permanent neurological disorders that affect movement, posture, and muscle coordination, caused by damage or abnormal development of the brain - usually before, during, or shortly after birth. This damage disrupts the brain’s ability to send proper signals to the muscles, leading to difficulties in controlling movement and maintaining posture. CP may manifest as spastic (increased muscle tone and stiffness), athetoid (involuntary movements), ataxic (poor balance and coordination), or a mixed form involving features of more than one type. Early intervention and consistent physiotherapy help in preventing secondary complications like contractures, joint deformities, and muscle shortening. 

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system (CNS) - specifically the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, the protective covering of nerve fibers, leading to demyelination and disruption of nerve signal transmission. Over time, this damage results in the formation of scar tissue (sclerosis) and causes varied neurological symptoms depending on the areas affected. Patients with MS may experience muscle weakness, numbness or tingling sensations, loss of coordination and balance, fatigue, visual disturbances and sometimes speech or cognitive difficulties. The symptoms often fluctuate - appearing in episodes (relapses) and improving partially or fully (remissions) - though in some cases, the condition progresses gradually.

Bell’s Palsy is a temporary paralysis or weakness of the facial muscles caused by inflammation or compression of the seventh cranial nerve (facial nerve), which controls facial expressions, eyelid movement, and certain aspects of taste. The condition typically affects one side of the face and can develop suddenly, often within hours. Patients may notice drooping of the mouth or eyelid, inability to close the eye, facial asymmetry, drooling, loss of facial expressions, or altered taste sensation. While the exact cause is not always clear, Bell’s Palsy is often associated with viral infections such as the herpes simplex virus, which triggers nerve inflammation. 

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an acute autoimmune disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath surrounding peripheral nerves. This leads to nerve inflammation, slowed or blocked nerve conduction, and ultimately muscle weakness and sensory disturbances. The condition often begins with tingling sensations or numbness in the legs and feet, which can progress rapidly to muscle weakness, difficulty walking and in severe cases, paralysis that may ascend to involve the arms, facial muscles and even the respiratory system. GBS commonly occurs after a viral or bacterial infection, and its severity and recovery time vary from person to person. While medical management focuses on stabilizing the immune response and supporting vital functions, physiotherapy becomes essential during both the recovery and rehabilitation phases to restore muscle strength, coordination and independence.