El CIREN y la nueva neurología

INTRODUCTION: With the creation in 1989 of CIREN, Cuba entered the new era of neurology. During the second half of the twentieth century the concepts of neuroscience evolved from statist to an adaptable and changing system, shaped by experience, through the property of neuronal plasticity. The objective of the work is to present the most relevant achievements of this research effort in this institution. DEVELOPMENT : In addition to the care of Cuban and foreign patients, an intense research has been developed on all the potential tools that could be used to recover or restore nerve function affected by trauma or disease. The initial step was the neural transplantation of dopaminergic cells to parkinsonian patients. Other interventions of functional or resective neurosurgery, were also tried for movement disorders or epilepsy. Basic research has helped to confirm benefits expected to successfully treat degenerative disorders, and neurorehabilitation programs designed to induce a plasticity promoting environment to maximize recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Research at CIREN occupies a privileged place in the interests of the institution. Some results have brought new clinical and surgical treatments. Others, mainly those of basic research, have not yet found a therapeutic translation. But all have contributed greatly to shaping the unique profile of this Cuban institution. The way to advance in firm steps towards that goal is the trend of a solid and high level science.