Neurological rehabilitation is the cornerstone of the clinical philosophy at the International Center for Neurological Restoration (CIREN) in Havana, Cuba. Founded in 1989, CIREN has developed a distinctive model of neuro-restorative care that brings together neurology, neurosurgery, rehabilitation medicine, neuropsychology, and allied disciplines into a single coordinated team. This multidisciplinary integration allows each patient to receive a treatment plan tailored to their specific neurological profile rather than a one-size-fits-all protocol.
The rehabilitation process begins with a comprehensive clinical evaluation lasting up to seven days. During this assessment phase, specialists conduct neurological and neuropsychological examinations, neuroimaging studies such as MRI and cerebral SPECT, neurophysiology testing, and clinical laboratory analyses. The results define a precise neurological profile and confirm the therapeutic possibilities available to each patient. Only after this evaluation is an individualized treatment program designed under the direction of the neurologist in charge of the case.
Treatment is delivered in intensive four-week rehabilitation cycles. Each cycle combines multiple therapy modalities — physiotherapy for motor function and mobility, occupational therapy for daily living skills, cognitive rehabilitation for memory and executive function, and psychological support for patients and families. The intensity and personalization of this approach distinguish CIREN's model from conventional outpatient rehabilitation, where therapy sessions are typically shorter and less frequent.
CIREN also employs non-invasive brain stimulation techniques as supportive tools within its rehabilitation programs. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) are used to modulate cortical activity and complement conventional therapy. These methods are applied only after specialist evaluation confirms their appropriateness for the individual's condition, which may include Parkinson's disease, stroke sequelae, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or other neurological disorders.
International patients seeking neurological rehabilitation at CIREN are supported by a dedicated coordination desk that assists with medical record review, evaluation requests, travel arrangements, and accommodation in Havana. Patients from more than 90 countries have traveled to CIREN for specialized neurological assessment and rehabilitation. All treatment decisions are made by the clinical team after evaluation, and outcomes vary by individual, condition, and severity.
It is important to note that neurological rehabilitation at CIREN aims to maximize function, independence, and quality of life. It is not a cure for progressive neurological diseases, nor does it guarantee restoration of all lost abilities. The clinical team communicates realistic goals and expected outcomes to each patient and family as part of the individualized treatment plan.