“Neurorehabilitation as a cornerstone of recovery” — that’s the powerful title of the editorial featured in the September 2025 issue of The Lancet Neurology.
With neurological disorders now the leading cause of disability worldwide, the editorial highlights a critical gap: despite its effectiveness, neurorehabilitation remains under-prioritized in healthcare systems across the globe. Here are a few key takeaways from the article — and why they matter:
- Personalized, multidimensional care
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) emphasize the need for rehabilitation plans that are tailored to each individual. These plans must go beyond physical therapy alone — integrating cognitive, psychological, social, and environmental factors, and actively involving patients and their support networks in the care process. This approach promotes better engagement, recovery, and long-term outcomes. - Technology as a catalyst — with caution
From brain–computer interfaces to neuromodulation, robotics, virtual reality, and telerehabilitation, technology is reshaping the field. These tools are making care more accessible, flexible, and scalable, especially in underserved areas. But the WHO warns: ethical and safety considerations must be at the forefront of adoption. Innovation must always serve the patient, not replace the human dimension of care. - A model for the future of medicine
Neurorehabilitation embraces complexity: it considers not only biology, but also psychology, environment, and social context. This integrated model stands in contrast to traditional clinical frameworks that focus on single causes and single treatments. The message is clear: this holistic, patient-centered approach could serve as a blueprint for other areas of medicine—shaping a future where care truly revolves around the individual. - A call to reflection
As the field evolves, important questions emerge that deserve shared reflection and open dialogue:– What role could artificial intelligence play in advancing truly personalized, multimodal care?
– How can we ensure continuum of care, especially beyond hospital discharge?
– Could a connected care system be the answer — and if so, how should telerehabilitation be integrated effectively and safely?
– And what does all this mean for the training and mindset of the rehabilitation team?The answers may vary, but the direction is clear: neurorehabilitation must become central to the healthcare of tomorrow.
