Neurologic Conditions

ATAXIA

Ataxia is a movement disorder caused by damage to the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls coordination and balance. It can result from neurological conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), brain injuries, or degenerative diseases.

Common Symptoms of Ataxia

Unsteady walking or frequent falls
Poor coordination of hands, arms, or legs
Slurred speech or difficulty swallowing
Tremors or involuntary movements
Difficulty with fine motor skills

How Can Physical Therapy Help?

Balance & Coordination Training – Exercises to improve steadiness and reduce fall risk
Gait & Mobility Training – Strategies to make walking safer and more efficient
Strength & Core Stability Exercises – To enhance muscle control and movement precision
Vestibular & Eye Movement Therapy – To improve visual stability and dizziness control

GUILLAIN BARRE SYNDROME (GBS)

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological disorder in which the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves, leading to weakness, numbness, and even paralysis. While the exact cause is unknown, GBS often follows viral infections, surgery, or vaccinations. Recovery can take weeks to years, and rehabilitation plays a critical role in regaining strength and mobility.

Common Symptoms of Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS)

Weakness or tingling in the feet and/or hands, spreading up the legs and to the arms and upper body
Difficulty walking or loss of balance
Muscle weakness or paralysis
Trouble breathing in severe cases
Pain, fatigue, and difficulty with coordination

How Can Physical & Occupational Therapy Help?

Progressive Strength Training – To rebuild muscle strength and endurance
Gait & Mobility Training – To improve walking ability and balance
Neuromuscular Re-education – To retrain the nervous system for better movement control
Pain & Fatigue Management – Strategies to reduce discomfort and increase energy
Functional Training – To restore independence in daily activities

TRANSVERSE MYELITIS

Transverse myelitis is inflammation of the spinal cord. The protective myelin sheath around nerve fibers in the spinal cord becomes damaged. It is often triggered by viral infections, autoimmune disorders, or other unknown factors.

Common Symptoms of Transverse Myelitis

Muscle weakness or paralysis in the limbs
Pain
Sensory problems and/or tingling sensations
Bladder/bowel dysfunction

How Can Physical & Occupational Therapy Help?

Strength Training – To rebuild muscle strength
Gait & Mobility Training – To improve walking ability and balance
Neuromuscular Re-education – To retrain the nervous system for better movement control
Pain Management – Strategies to reduce discomfort
Functional Training – To restore independence in daily activities

HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE

Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited brain disorder that slowly damages nerve cells in the brain over time. It's caused by a faulty gene passed down from a parent. If one parent has it, each child has a 50% chance of inheriting it. Symptoms usually start between ages 30 and 50 and get worse gradually over 15 to 20 years. Think of it as the brain slowly losing control over three things: movement, thinking, and mood.

Common Symptoms of Huntington's Disease

Movement changes:

Involuntary, jerky, dance-like movements (called chorea) that the person can't control

Stiffness or slowness as the disease progresses

Trouble with balance and walking, with falls becoming common

Slurred speech and difficulty swallowing

Trouble controlling eye movements

Thinking changes:

Harder to plan, organize, or multitask

Slower to process information and respond

Memory and attention problems

Eventually, dementia in later stages

Mood and behavior changes:

Depression (often one of the earliest signs)

Loss of motivation, where things just feel like too much effort

Irritability, mood swings, or impulsive behavior

How Can Physical & Occupational Therapy Help?

Early on:

Cardio exercise like walking, biking, or treadmill work to keep the brain and body strong (and there's promising research that exercise may actually slow some of the damage)
Strength training to maintain muscle
Practicing everyday movements like getting up from a chair, climbing stairs, or carrying groceries
Teaching the patient and family what to expect down the road

Middle stages:

Balance training to prevent falls
Walking practice, sometimes using rhythm or visual cues (like stepping to a beat or over lines on the floor) to help the brain coordinate movement
Core and posture work to keep the body stable
Making the home safer (removing rugs, adding grab bars, improving lighting)
Introducing walking aids when needed (a weighted walker often works better than a regular one because it provides more stability)

Later stages:

Stretching and positioning to keep joints from getting stiff
Breathing exercises, since chest infections become a real risk
Teaching caregivers how to safely help with moving, transferring, and repositioning
Wheelchair fitting and skin care to prevent pressure sores