• Why does a patient with Parkinson’s disease walk better on marching music?
• Why is it that a half of the body is weak after a stroke first and only becomes spastic later?
• Why is Multiple Sclerosis the disease in which ‘anything is possible, but nothing certain’?
• Why do some patients after a stroke constantly lose their way, despite good eyes and legs?

Central neurological disorders often involve a complex problem, in which the whole body or a part of the body is affected. The invalidating character is big; the chance that a patient ends up in an adjusted living environment or wheelchair is realistic.

The physiotherapist plays an important role in the recovery process of a patient with a central neurological disorder. He/she trains and coaches the patient aimed at an optimal independence in activities and social participation. In this context, we use the term neuro-rehabilitation. Neuro-rehabilitation forms the thread through this Syllabus.

In the first instance, neuro-rehabilitation is often about basic, every day motor functioning, which can have a great impact on a person’s recovery process, however. For example, thanks to a transfer from a sitting to a standing position and sufficient balance, a person can sometimes use the toilet independently again. By being able to walk independently again after a stroke, the patient gets his/her autonomy in life back.

Neurological physiotherapy is the treatment of patients who have a neurological disorder. Neurological disorders are those affecting the brain, spinal cord and nerves; such as stroke, MS and Parkinson’s disease. Treatment in neurological conditions is typically based upon exercises to restore motor function through attempting to overcome motor deficits and improve motor patterns. To achieve this aim various theoretical frameworks have been promoted, each based upon inferences drawn from basic and clinical science research. Whilst some of these have remained static, others are designed to take into account new developments, perhaps the most notable example being the “movement science” framework. The various philosophies often generate considerable debate.

– Physiopedia