Neurological Conditions

Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA / Stroke)

Stroke can cause weakness, paralysis, sensory loss, and cognitive deficits.

Occupational Therapy interventions:

  • Motor rehabilitation

    • Exercises to improve strength, coordination, and range of motion

    • Constraint-induced movement therapy (using affected limb)

  • ADL training

    • Re-learning tasks such as dressing, bathing, cooking

  • Cognitive rehabilitation

    • Memory, attention, and problem-solving exercises

  • Visual-perceptual training

    • For neglect or visual field deficits

  • Adaptive equipment

    • One-handed tools, grab bars, modified utensils

  • Positioning & splinting

    • Prevent contractures and promote function

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

SCI leads to partial or complete loss of motor/sensory function below the level of injury.

Occupational Therapy interventions:

  • Self-care retraining

    • Dressing, feeding, grooming with adaptive techniques

  • Wheelchair training

    • Mobility, transfers, pressure relief strategies

  • Upper limb strengthening

    • Particularly in paraplegia for independence

  • Environmental modifications

    • Home modifications (ramps, widened doors)

  • Assistive technology

    • Voice-controlled devices, adaptive computer use

  • Energy conservation strategies

Parkinson’s Disease

A progressive disorder causing tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability.

Occupational Therapy interventions:

  • Movement strategies

    • Task-specific training to overcome freezing (cueing techniques)

  • ADL simplification

    • Breaking tasks into smaller steps

  • Fine motor skill training

    • Improving handwriting, buttoning, utensil use

  • Balance and posture training

  • Adaptive tools

    • Weighted utensils, dressing aids

  • Energy conservation & fatigue management

Vertigo
(often vestibular-related)

 Vertigo causes dizziness, imbalance, and disorientation.

Occupational Therapy interventions:

  • Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT)

    • Habituation exercises (repeated exposure to movements causing dizziness)

    • Gaze stabilization exercises

    • Balance training

  • Functional retraining

    • Safe performance of daily tasks

  • Fall prevention strategies

  • Environmental adaptation

    • Removing hazards at home

Deconditioning

 Occurs due to prolonged inactivity or illness, leading to weakness and reduced endurance.

Occupational Therapy interventions:

  • Graded activity programs

    • Gradual reintroduction of daily activities

  • Strength and endurance training

  • Activity pacing

    • Avoid fatigue by balancing rest and activity

  • Functional task practice

    • Improving ability to perform ADLs

  • Motivation and routine building

Peripheral Vestibular Disorders

Includes conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

Occupational Therapy interventions:

  • Vestibular rehabilitation

    • Repositioning maneuvers (e.g., Epley maneuver)

    • Balance and coordination exercises

  • Postural control training

  • Gaze stabilization exercises

  • Desensitization exercises

  • Home safety education

    • Reduce fall risks

Common Goals Across All Conditions

Occupational therapists aim to:

  • Restore independence in activities of daily living (ADLs)

  • Improve motor and cognitive function

  • Enhance safety and reduce fall risk

  • Promote participation in meaningful activities

  • Recommend assistive devices and modifications

Occupational therapy does not just treat the disease itself—it focuses on helping individuals function in everyday life, adapting tasks, environments, and skills to maximize independence despite neurological impairments.