Neurological rehabilitation is a branch of medicine focused on functional recovery and reducing disabilities caused by diseases or nervous system injuries. Neurological rehabilitation contributes, for example, to recovering motor function by improving patients’ strength, coordination, and mobility and, simultaneously, to restoring cognitive function by helping to enhance memory and attention. Neurological rehabilitation uses a combination of techniques to this end. The patient can use specific physiotherapy exercises to improve muscle strength, flexibility, and mobility. Neurological rehabilitation includes occupational therapy, speech therapy, and motor rehabilitation exercises. In particular, occupational therapy helps improve the skills needed to allow the patient to carry out normal daily activities, while speech therapy enhances communication skills and swallowing. Finally, motor rehabilitation exercises restore motor control and optimise coordination.

Neurosurgery is a branch of medicine that surgically treats diseases involving the central and peripheral nervous systems, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Neurosurgery can remove brain tumours, improving neurological function. This medical procedure prevents brain haemorrhages and reduces the risk of strokes by surgically treating arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), cerebral aneurysms, and other vascular disorders. Neurosurgery also treats peripheral nerve injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or traumatic nerve injuries. Decompression or nerve repair can alleviate pain, restore neurological function, and prevent further damage. Neurosurgery is also essential for treating severe head injuries. Surgery relieves intracranial pressure, removes haematomas, and repairs skull fractures, preventing permanent neurological damage. Some neurological procedures, such as rhizotomy or neurostimulation, treat chronic pain conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia.

Polysomnography is a diagnostic test that monitors several physiological parameters during sleep, such as brain activity, respiration, heart rate, and body movements. This test is used to diagnose sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and insomnia.

A neurological examination is a clinical examination performed by a neurologist, a doctor who specialises in treating disorders of the nervous system. This examination aims to assess the functioning of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (nerves and muscles). During this examination, the neurologist gathers information about the patient’s medical history, trigger factors and any resulting symptoms that have occurred. A neurological examination involves performing a series of objective tests, such as a cranial nerve examination to check the function of the nerves that originate in the brain and, generally, an assessment of cognitive function to test the patient’s memory and attention span. A neurological examination can also provide an accurate early diagnosis of many diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and peripheral neuropathy. This examination allows the doctor to develop a personalised treatment plan, which may include medication, physiotherapy, rehabilitation and, in some cases, surgical procedures.

Computed Tomography (CT) is a medical imaging technique that combines X-rays and computer technology to create detailed images of various body parts. For example, it provides images of internal organs, including the brain, lungs, heart, liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, intestines, bones, and blood vessels. It allows doctors to identify anatomical abnormalities such as lesions, tumours, stones, fractures, and other pathological conditions. CT helps plan surgical procedures and radiotherapy, allowing surgeons and oncologists to identify the exact size and location of lesions and, consequently, structure the best interventional and therapeutic approach. In the follow-up phase, CT is a valuable tool for monitoring the patient’s response to surgical treatment, which requires long-term monitoring.

Brain ultrasound is a noninvasive ultrasound technique that allows visualisation of the brain parenchyma and ventricular system. It involves using low emission frequency and high power probes to allow ultrasound to pass through the temporal bone. This procedure is particularly useful in babies and young children, as open fontanelles (spaces between the skull bones) allow direct brain visualisation. It provides an overview and survey of congenital abnormalities, intraventricular haemorrhages, hydrocephalus, and brain lesions. Brain ultrasound can also detect intracranial haemorrhages, cerebral infarctions, and other types of injury, allowing for early diagnosis and timely treatment. This technique is also helpful in monitoring hydrocephalus, a condition in which excessive cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the cerebral ventricles. It assesses the size of the ventricles and the need for interventions such as ventriculoperitoneal shunt. It also helps to detect the onset of Parkinson’s and essential tremors: early diagnosis allows the specialist to initiate early treatment plans for the patient to slow down or halt the progress of the disease.

Nerve ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging technique using high-frequency sound waves to visualise peripheral nerves and surrounding structures. It offers many neurological advantages for diagnosing, treating, and monitoring nerve conditions. Ultrasound allows for the direct visualisation of the peripheral nerves, allowing for the identification of structural abnormalities such as thickening, compression, inflammation, and lesions. This technique helps diagnose focal neuropathies—such as carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and other compression neuropathies—providing an accurate assessment of the severity and extent of nerve involvement. Nerve ultrasound assesses traumatic nerve injuries, identifying damage such as ruptures, contusions, and neuromas, helping to plan appropriate surgical or other therapies. It is also used postoperatively to monitor nerve healing after surgery, detecting the formation of scars, neuromas, or recurrent nerve compression.

Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic technique for assessing the health of muscles and the nerves that control them. During EMG, small needle electrodes are inserted into muscles to measure electrical activity at rest and during contraction. For this reason, it is essential to diagnose neuromuscular diseases—such as myopathy, peripheral neuropathy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and muscular dystrophy—to provide detailed information on nerve and muscle function. EMG also assesses peripheral nerve functionality, identifying damage or dysfunction in nerve fibres. This technique can guide clinical and therapeutic interventions, such as botulinum toxin injections, to treat movement disorders and ensure proper drug administration. EMG can monitor the progression of neuromuscular diseases over time, allowing specialists to adapt treatment plans to the patient’s needs.

Electroneurography (ENG) is a diagnostic technique that assesses peripheral nerve function by recording nerve conduction velocity and electrical signal amplitude. This allows the specialist to identify damage or dysfunction in nerve fibres. This technique is often combined with electromyography to provide a comprehensive overview of the patient’s neuromuscular health. ENG helps diagnose various types of neuropathies, including diabetic, alcoholic, and chemotherapy-induced ones, and detect damage to both sensory and motor nerves. It is performed on an outpatient basis and is used to assess the effectiveness of ongoing treatment, allowing for therapeutic adjustments based on objective data.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an advanced imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of organs, tissues, and body structures. It provides the patient with an accurate diagnosis of pathological conditions such as tumours, injuries, inflammations, and congenital anomalies. Due to its high sensitivity to soft tissues, MRI is particularly effective in assessing neurological, musculoskeletal, vascular, and central nervous system conditions. Unlike computed tomography (CT), MRI does not use ionising radiation, reducing the risk of exposure to X-rays and making it a safer choice for patients requiring repeated imaging exams. MRI covers various anatomical areas and can assess various regions, including the brain, spinal cord, heart, blood vessels, liver, kidneys, muscles, and joints. MRI can diagnose complex and multifactorial pathologies involving multiple organ systems thanks to its ability to produce detailed images of soft tissues and anatomical features.