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Comercializadora de Servicios Médicos Cubanos, S.A.SMC Salud

CIREN · Intensive Neurorehabilitation · Recovery Programs

Stroke Rehabilitation in Cuba

Ischemic Stroke · Hemorrhagic Stroke · Post-Stroke Sequelae

Cuba's International Center for Neurological Restoration (CIREN) in Havana is internationally recognized for its intensive stroke rehabilitation programs. The signature multidisciplinary model delivers 4–6 hours of daily coordinated therapy across neurology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and neuropsychology — an intensity that standard rehabilitation frequency often does not match, supporting recovery of motor function, language, and independence.

Stroke Rehabilitation treatment in Cuba

Stroke Rehabilitation — Treatment Video

Cuba's Intensive Stroke Rehabilitation — CIREN

Visual Guide

Understanding stroke rehabilitation care in Cuba

See the specialized facilities and patient-centered care that define our stroke rehabilitation treatment programs.

Specialized Neurology care in Cuba

Specialized Neurology care in Cuba

Comprehensive international patient coordination in Havana

Comprehensive international patient coordination in Havana

Clinical Evidence & Outcomes

The science behind stroke rehabilitation treatment in Cuba

Our clinical programs are grounded in peer-reviewed research and coordinated with Cuba's biotechnology institutions. Individual results vary and are confirmed during personalized evaluation.

Medically reviewed by
SMC Salud Office of Medical Affairs·Neurology·Reviewed August 7, 2026

CIREN Intensive Rehabilitation Model

Post-Stroke Recovery

4–6 hrsdaily therapy, 4–8 week programs

CIREN's intensive model delivers 4–6 hours of coordinated daily therapy for stroke patients, addressing motor recovery, language, cognition, and activities of daily living. The intensity and multidisciplinary coordination are distinctive to the Cuban approach, supporting neuroplasticity and functional recovery.

Source: CIREN — International Center for Neurological Restoration

Multidisciplinary Team

Comprehensive Stroke Care

1989CIREN founded — 35+ years

Founded in 1989, CIREN has treated thousands of international stroke patients. Its team of neurologists, physiatrists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and neuropsychologists coordinates daily therapy to address the full spectrum of post-stroke sequelae.

Source: CIREN — International Center for Neurological Restoration

Neuroplasticity-Based Approach

Motor & Cognitive Recovery

Measurablefunctional outcome tracking

Patients are assessed at admission and discharge using standardized functional scales to objectively measure progress. The intensive daily therapy model leverages neuroplasticity — the brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections — to support recovery of motor function, language, and independence.

Source: SMC Salud — Office of Medical Affairs

Outcomes shown reflect published clinical data and aggregate results. Individual results vary based on diagnosis, disease stage, and overall health, and are confirmed during a personalized medical evaluation. This page is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Your Treatment Pathway

Stroke Rehabilitation Care Pathway

A coordinated, step-by-step pathway from pre-travel preparation through treatment in Cuba and post-departure follow-up.

Pre-Travel
1

Initial Inquiry & Records Review

Week 1

Submit your medical records for expert review by our specialist team. Our international coordinators respond within 24–48 hours with an initial assessment.

  • Medical records submission via secure portal
  • Case review by specialist medical team
  • Initial eligibility assessment
2

Remote Medical Evaluation

Week 1–2

Your case is reviewed by the Cuban medical team. Additional tests or imaging may be requested remotely. A personalized treatment plan is developed and shared with you and your home-country physician.

  • Specialist remote consultation
  • Additional diagnostics if needed
  • Personalized treatment plan issued
3

Program Issuance & Travel Arrangements

Week 2–3

SMC Salud issues your official medical program letter. Our coordinators assist with visa application, flight booking, and accommodation — matched to your treatment program and family needs.

  • Medical program letter issued
  • Visa application support
  • Flight & accommodation arranged
In Cuba
4

Intensive Stroke Rehabilitation

4–8 weeks

Admission to CIREN. Comprehensive assessment of stroke type, affected brain regions, and baseline functional scores. 4–6 hours of daily coordinated therapy across physical, occupational, speech, and neuropsychological disciplines.

  • Neurological & functional baseline assessment
  • 4–6 hrs daily multidisciplinary therapy
  • Motor recovery, speech & swallowing therapy
5

Neuroplasticity & Recovery Monitoring

Ongoing

Regular functional scale reassessment to objectively track recovery. Therapy intensity adjusted to leverage neuroplasticity. Caregiver training in transfer techniques, fall prevention, and home exercise programs.

  • Functional outcome scale tracking
  • Therapy adjustment for neuroplasticity
  • Caregiver training & home program
Post-Departure
6

Discharge, Report & Follow-up

Final days + ongoing

Comprehensive medical report translated into your language. Take-home medication supply provided. Telemedicine follow-up program arranged so your Cuban medical team stays connected after you return home.

  • Translated comprehensive medical report
  • Take-home medication supply
  • Telemedicine follow-up scheduled

Our Comprehensive Approach

Neurological Management

Assessment of stroke type, affected brain regions, and personalized pharmacological plans for secondary prevention.

Intensive Physical Therapy

Daily therapy targeting motor recovery, gait retraining, balance, strength, and spasticity management.

Occupational Therapy

Retraining in activities of daily living, fine motor skills, and adaptive strategies for affected limbs.

Speech & Language Therapy

Addresses aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia, and swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) following stroke.

Neuropsychological Support

Cognitive rehabilitation for memory, attention, executive function, and emotional adjustment post-stroke.

Caregiver Education

Families trained in transfer techniques, fall prevention, medication management, and home exercise programs.

Stroke Rehabilitation — Treatment & Medication

Treatment Options Available in Cuba

CIREN offers intensive multidisciplinary stroke rehabilitation, delivering 4–6 hours of daily coordinated therapy across neurology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and neuropsychology to support recovery of motor function, language, and independence. No therapy guarantees a specific outcome. Treatment suitability is determined after a medical evaluation of stroke type and current functional level.

Treatment suitability is determined after medical evaluation. No therapeutic outcome is guaranteed, and not every patient will benefit. Each case is reviewed individually by the medical team.

Stroke Rehabilitation — Required Documents

Documents for Medical Evaluation

Providing these documents helps our medical team review your case before you travel. You do not need to send every document to begin — send what you have available.

Brain MRI / CT

Recent neuroimaging of the stroke

Neurology Reports

Specialist consultation and assessment notes

Diagnosis Reports

Stroke type and affected regions

Previous Treatment Records

Prior rehabilitation and therapies

Current Medication List

All medications and dosages currently taken

Recent Laboratory Results

Blood work and relevant test results

Send Your Medical Documents

Clinical Evidence

Patient Safety

Expert Specialists

International Standards

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions from international patients

CIREN offers intensive multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs for stroke survivors, delivering 4–6 hours of daily coordinated therapy across neurology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and neuropsychology. The program addresses motor recovery, language, cognition, swallowing, and activities of daily living to maximize functional independence.

Could This Treatment Be Right for You?

Submit your medical records for review by our medical team. We will assess your case and provide a personalized recommendation. Treatment suitability is determined only after medical evaluation.