Stroke Rehabilitation
CIREN provides intensive rehabilitation for patients who have experienced cerebrovascular accidents (strokes) and are living with aftereffects such as hemiparesis, aphasia, cognitive impairment, and motor dysfunction. The Neurological Restoration Program addresses stroke recovery through a multidisciplinary approach combining physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation.
What Is Cerebrovascular Accident Rehabilitation
A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Stroke aftereffects can include weakness or paralysis on one side of the body (hemiparesis/hemiplegia), difficulty speaking or understanding speech (aphasia), vision problems, and cognitive changes. Rehabilitation aims to help patients regain function and adapt to changes through intensive, repeated therapeutic exercise that leverages neuroplasticity.
Rehabilitation at CIREN
CIREN's stroke rehabilitation program is delivered in 4-week cycles with up to 7 hours of daily therapy. The multidisciplinary team includes neurologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and psychologists. Treatment is personalized following a comprehensive neurological evaluation and may include robotic-assisted motor recovery, neurostimulation, and intensive functional training.
What the Program Includes
Eligibility Evaluation
Eligibility is determined by CIREN's medical team following review of the patient's medical records, imaging studies, and current functional status. Patients must be medically stable enough to participate in an intensive rehabilitation program. A pre-evaluation is required before acceptance into the program.
Stroke in the United States
Source: CDC estimates
- Approximately 795,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke each year
- About 610,000 of these are first or new strokes
- Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability
- More than half of stroke survivors 65 and older have reduced mobility
The CIREN Process
From initial medical record review to follow-up after program completion, SMC Salud coordinates every step of the CIREN journey for international patients.
Medical Record Review
Patients submit their medical records, imaging studies, and current functional assessments for review by CIREN's medical team. SMC Salud assists with gathering and organizing these documents.
Pre-Evaluation
CIREN's specialists review the submitted records to determine eligibility and develop a preliminary treatment plan. This evaluation helps ensure the program is appropriate for the patient's condition.
Treatment Planning
If accepted, a personalized treatment plan is developed based on the pre-evaluation. The plan outlines the program duration, therapy components, and recovery objectives.
Travel Coordination
SMC Salud coordinates travel logistics including visa support, accommodation arrangements, and ground transportation in Havana. Patients receive a detailed travel itinerary.
Rehabilitation Program
The patient attends CIREN's intensive Neurological Restoration Program in Havana. The program includes daily therapy sessions of up to 7 hours, delivered in 4-week cycles with defined recovery objectives.
Follow-Up
After completing the program, patients receive a discharge summary and recommendations for continued rehabilitation at home. SMC Salud remains available for follow-up coordination and support.
Ready to Explore CIREN?
Request a medical evaluation to find out if CIREN's program is right for you or your loved one.
Stroke Rehabilitation — Questions and Answers
Can CIREN cure stroke aftereffects?
No. CIREN does not claim to cure stroke or guarantee specific outcomes. The Neurological Restoration Program is a rehabilitation program designed to help patients improve function through intensive therapy. Outcomes vary by individual and depend on factors including the severity of the stroke, time since onset, and the patient's overall health.
How long is the stroke rehabilitation program at CIREN?
CIREN's Neurological Restoration Program is delivered in 4-week cycles. The number of cycles recommended depends on the individual evaluation and the patient's progress. Each cycle has defined recovery objectives set by the medical team.
What medical records are needed for stroke rehabilitation evaluation?
Patients typically need to provide recent brain imaging (CT or MRI), medical history, current medications, neurological evaluation reports, and functional assessment records. CIREN's medical team reviews these records during the pre-evaluation to determine eligibility and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Is CIREN's stroke rehabilitation program FDA-approved?
CIREN operates under the authority of Cuba's Ministry of Public Health. Its programs are not FDA-approved, as the FDA is a United States regulatory body and CIREN is a Cuban institution. Patients should consult with their own physicians before pursuing international rehabilitation.
Medical Disclaimer: Information about CIREN's programs is provided for educational purposes only. SMC Salud facilitates coordination and travel logistics; all medical decisions are made by CIREN's medical team following individual evaluation. Rehabilitation outcomes vary by individual and cannot be guaranteed.