KARACHI, May 14: Rehabilitation is the only option for neuro-degenerative disorders which have little or no medical treatment, senior neurologist Dr Arif Herekar said. Talking to APP on Monday he said rehabilitative support was essentially required for sufferers, including children, exposed to any of the conditions ranging from cerebral palsy, stroke, epilepsy induced disability, post traumatic sequelae and others.

“Rehabilitation units are required across the country to help patients, including children, inflicted with chronic disorders that include neurological conditions,” he said.

Dr Herekar regretted that there were very few rehabilitation centres which may actually cater for such disorders.

Highlighting the importance of rehabilitation centres, it was observed that not only those struck with neurological disorder induced disability and debilitation but severely malnourished sections also needed rehabilitative support.

About cerebral palsy, he mentioned that most medicines and manoeuvres tried for children suffering from the condition had failed to improve their mental condition substantially. “Occupational therapy and various other methods form an important aspect of the rehabilitation units or facilities,” he observed.He was emphatic that though efforts were made to rehabilitate both adults and children the facilities and expertise available with these were still very scanty.

The neurologist suggested that more training centres were required to be established with the support of NGOs complimented by a strategy to motivate trainees as well as trained professionals to serve at the periphery areas.

He observed that acquiring gadgetry, with specific reference to rehabilitation machines, was equally important.

In reply to a question regarding migraine among children, the neurologist said the condition that could lead to disability made it extremely important that the affected children were helped in the early stages. Timely support and intervention during school-going age could help prevent loss of working hours of essential human resource, he said.

Dr Herekar highlighted the importance of social uplift and psycho-social support programmes for people inflicted with neurological disorders and referred to significance of speech therapy in certain neurological conditions.—APP