NeuroHeroes: Redefining ability

We have been trained to believe that if one is affected with a neurological disorder, it’s the complete end of the world and they have to resort to living with the disability that it brings along, as if it’s one of the many irreversible changes of life. I have met numerous patients with such conditions, all having different perspectives on their conditions which has a direct effect on the outcome of therapy. 


‘Am I going to be normal, again?’ 

‘Will I be how I was before I got this disease?’

‘Will I ever be able to play my favourite sport?’

‘Am I always going to be dependent for my day to day activities?’

These are the most common questions asked by patients when they first learn about their condition.




The answer to all these questions is a very straightforward yes. They will be independent, but with a mindset shift in what is considered normal. A new normal is established and it comes with different abilities. A patient with an Incomplete Spinal cord injury used to walk six kilometres daily, but will she be capable of doing it post injury? Yes, she absolutely can, provided she is consistent with her strengthening and balance training. It’s definitely going to take a lot of time and there is no quitting the process. The biggest change you need to get in your recovery is your attitude and the spirit of not giving up no matter how hard it gets. This sets you apart from what you were and what you can become. Patients who are consistent, show better recovery and achieve much more than what their goals were to begin with. 


We had a patient with sensory neuropathy, which meant that he had no sensation on his hands along with tingling, numbness and weakness in his fingers. We worked on his strength, dexterity, co-ordination and grip, and he was back to playing piano, his favourite hobby which gave him immense happiness. Did that happen instantly? No, it took 4 months to achieve, only because there was no giving up happening, neither on his end nor ours. Did the sensation come back? No, but we worked on his existing strengths and achieved this goal for him. 


Therapy is a necessary process in such cases, and a positive and resilient attitude is the best companion you can bring along to truly enjoy this journey of converting your disability to ability and being a true NeuroHero in your eyes.



Blog by

Dr Dhvani Zota 

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