Multidisciplinary Neurorehabilitation: Integrating Neuro-Physiotherapy Across the Lifespan in Adult and Paediatric Neurological Disorders for Enhanced Community Integration — A Narrative Review
Keywords:
Neurological rehabilitation, Physical therapy specialty, Patient care team, Interdisciplinary communication, Cerebral palsy, Stroke rehabilitation, Family-centred care, Community-based rehabilitationAbstract
Disorders affecting the nervous system are now the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide and frequently produce impairments of movement, balance, coordination, cognition, communication and self-care. Because the resulting disability is often complex and long-lasting, it is best managed by a coordinated team rather than by any single discipline. This narrative review, based on a structured search of PubMed/MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, PEDro and Google Scholar, examines the principles of multidisciplinary neurorehabilitation and the contribution of neuro-physiotherapy in adult and paediatric neurological conditions. The core team typically includes a neurologist or physiatrist, neuro-physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist, psychologist, nurse, dietitian, orthotist or prosthetist and social worker. Adult neurorehabilitation focuses on motor recovery, functional independence, prevention of secondary complications, community participation and return to work, whereas paediatric neurorehabilitation places greater emphasis on early intervention, neuroplasticity, developmental milestones, family-centred care and school participation. Evidence from Cochrane reviews shows that organised multidisciplinary care reduces death and dependency after stroke and improves activity and participation in acquired brain injury and multiple sclerosis. Shared goal setting, regular team communication, standardised outcome measurement, family involvement, community-based rehabilitation and telerehabilitation help to coordinate care in both age groups. Implementation is nonetheless limited by cost, poor access, shortages of trained professionals, communication gaps between disciplines, caregiver burden and inadequate follow-up. Strengthening integrated, community-linked rehabilitation services is essential if functional outcomes and quality of life are to improve across the lifespan.
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