Editorial: Neurorehabilitation in neurotrauma: treating traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries

Front. Hum. Neurosci., 2024 · DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1484962 · Published: September 10, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Neurorehabilitation Brain Injury

Simple Explanation

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) pose significant global public health challenges, affecting millions annually and leading to severe consequences on individuals' lives and social reintegration. Neurological rehabilitation faces obstacles due to the heterogeneity of neurological injuries, leading to variable treatment responses and hindering the development of standardized protocols. Recent advancements, like deep brain stimulation, virtual reality, and robotic devices, are revolutionizing traditional therapeutic approaches, enhancing motor learning, patient engagement, and functional recovery.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Editorial

Key Findings

1
Mild TBI survivors often experience psychiatric comorbidities like anxiety, depression, and PTSD, along with chronic pain and cardiovascular issues.
2
Chinese medicine monomers, particularly tanshinone IIA (TIIA) in early recovery and resveratrol (RSV) in later stages, show promise in functional recovery for animal models of SCI.
3
Aerobic exercise is effective for TBI survivors, especially adolescents and adults, but more studies are needed for children and the elderly to adapt treatment guidelines.

Research Summary

The editorial highlights the global burden of TBI and SCI, emphasizing the need for innovative and effective neurorehabilitation interventions to improve functional recovery and social reintegration for affected individuals. Recent advancements in rehabilitation technologies, such as deep brain stimulation, virtual reality, and robotic devices, are transforming treatment options and showing promising efficacy in improving motor and cognitive functions. The collection of studies underscores the importance of interdisciplinary research in neuroscience to develop effective interventions for neurological disorders and the necessity of addressing these conditions as a significant public health issue.

Practical Implications

Improved Treatment Protocols

Further research should focus on standardizing and personalizing neurorehabilitation protocols to address the heterogeneity of neurological injuries.

Resource Allocation

Increased allocation of resources and support is justified to deepen understanding and enhance therapeutic strategies for TBI and SCI, given their significant impact on young adult mortality and disability rates.

Technology Integration

Continued development and integration of advanced rehabilitation technologies are crucial for improving motor and cognitive functions and enhancing the quality of life for patients with neurotrauma.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of ideal predictive models for rehabilitation outcomes
2
Disparities in access to advanced rehabilitation technologies
3
Heterogeneity of neurological injuries leading to variable treatment responses

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