An innovative method for the treatment of brain damage by multisensory activation

An innovative method for the treatment of brain injuries, based on a combination of music and rhythm, developed by a world-renowned drummer, is implemented at the Klalit Occupational Therapy Institute at the Lynn Medical Center in Haifa.

This is an innovative method that has been proven to be very successful in the rehabilitation of brain damage in general and Parkinson's patients in particular, and is widely applied in Sweden and various European countries, and for the past two years it has also been applied at the Klalit Occupational Therapy Institute at the Lynn Medical Center. The method was developed by Ronnie Gardiner, a successful and internationally respected jazz drummer. who was the first foreigner in Sweden to receive in 2001 the prestigious Swedish medal of honor "St. Erik's Medal", for his work and great contribution in helping stroke patients.

The method is based on multi-sensory activation, which involves the sense of hearing, sight, sensation and movement and uses rhythm and music. When the idea behind it is a combination of using hands, feet, voice and music, to stimulate different parts of the brain. Each movement has a sign and a sound (a word), and during the training the patient is required to decode and simultaneously perform the signs or the sounds, up to 18 in number. In this way, stimuli are given to different areas of the brain, in both hemispheres (parts of the brain), at the same time.

Deborah Yair, Klalit's occupational therapist at the institute in Haifa, who was trained in the application of the groundbreaking method, notes, Because this method strengthens concentration, coordination, bilateral mobility, balance, memory, body image, physical awareness, the ability to speak and read, motor skills and more.

Yair explains: "Nowadays it is clear to researchers that the brain is flexible and can be developed by appropriate stimuli. This approach is contrary to the assumption that existed until not many years ago, according to which man is unable to deal with the degeneration of the brain and must accept the erosion and aging of the brain as a fact that cannot be changed. The new method is very flexible And it can be adapted to the needs and abilities of the patient. It is given in individual training, one on one, or in group training and can be performed sitting or standing. Due to the variety and pace, it also excites the patient and he mobilizes the strength to succeed in it."

The team of the Occupational Therapy Institute: "This is an exciting and successful method, but it is not suitable for everyone. We operate a wide variety of methods and treatment paths that are adapted to each patient after a thorough diagnosis has been made. The treatment with this method is very enjoyable, the smile with which the patient and the therapist leave the treatment and the rest of the way, only partially indicates what happened between The walls of the treatment room in occupational therapy".

It should be noted that this method is one of a large variety of treatments provided at the Occupational Therapy Institute at the Lynn Medical Center and it should be emphasized that it is not suitable for every patient. The referral is made by a family doctor, a neurologist or a geriatrician.

[bs-thumbnail-listing-2 columns="4" title="General" tag="37" count="4" pagination-show-label="0" pagination-slides-count="3" slider-animation- speed="750" slider-autoplay="1" slider-speed="3000" bs-show-desktop="1" bs-show-tablet="1" bs-show-phone="1" paginate="slider "]