The Neurological Rehabilitation Department in Sheba
Founded in 1972, the Department of Neurologic Rehabilitation at Sheba Medical Center sees 400 inpatients and 2,500 outpatients every year. Patients benefit from an integrative, multidisciplinary approach, with input and expertise received from a variety of specialists in addition to top tier, expert neurologists.
The department offers diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of neurological conditions, including spinal cord and brain injuries, strokes, and multiple sclerosis. Our goal is to provide tailor made medicine in order to improve our patients’ quality of life and independence.
The department maintains 12 outpatient clinics to serve the community and has numerous specialized services. These are outlined below:
Physical Therapy
Physiatrists work in conjunction with orthopedists, nurses, and therapists in order to restore and maintain patients’ function and mobility. This can be in the form of strengthening, balance training, or gait training. Sheba Medical Center provides advanced treatment options in the form of services like hydrotherapy and virtual reality therapy.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy focuses on helping patients achieve independence with their daily activities, such as dressing, bathing, cooking, and eating. Occupational therapists also evaluate patients for assistive devices, like canes and walkers, and help patients feel comfortable in their own homes once again.
Speech Therapy
Speech therapy encompasses treatment for language disorders, swallowing difficulties, and neurocognitive speech problems. At Sheba Medical Center, dedicated speech therapists use a variety of advanced tools, such as computer devices, to help patients relearn proper speech after a stroke or injury. Additionally, swallowing problems are evaluated with diagnostic imaging and effective courses of treatment are offered.
Neuropsychology and Psychology Services
It can be very difficult for patients and their families to cope with neurological disorders and injuries. Sheba Medical Center provides psychological counseling to help our patients and their loved ones better deal with the realities of their situations.
Neuropsychological evaluation, testing, and treatment are provided to patients with cognitive difficulties accompanying their neurological issues. Such treatment can help patients with problems ranging from emotional control to memory loss.
Social Services
Trained medical social workers are available to assist our patients with the hurdles of government administration, housing, jobs, and transportation. We are dedicated to providing complete care to our patients and these services reflect that commitment.
Hydrotherapy and Therapeutic Recreation
The Rehabilitation Division contains two pools for hydrotherapy, a form of low impact physical therapy conducted in water. In addition, sports and recreation opportunities are available to help patients effectively rehabilitate and relieve stress.
Case Management
Each and every patient in the Department of Neurological Rehabilitation is assigned a case manager to help coordinate their care. Additionally, the case manager acts as a liaison between patients, their families, and medical providers.
Director
Prof. Gabriel Zeilig serves as the director of the Department of Neurological Rehabilitation. He is a graduate of Milan Medical School in Italy and completed his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation here at Sheba Medical Center. Prof. Zeilig has held the director position since 1999. His particular interests include the rehabilitation of patients suffering from spinal cord injuries.
