Patient operated for an intraparenchymal brain tumor with serious lower limb weakness. The role of in-hospital physiotherapy

Abstract

The aim of this case study is to present the role of hospital physiotherapy in a patient who was operated for an intraparenchymal brain tumor, from admission to intensive care unit until his discharge from hospital. Following acute surgical management, physiotherapy commenced and was devided in four phases:  1) Patient in ICU under mechanical support, 2) Patient in ICU without mechanical support, 3) Patient in step down unit, 4) Patient on the neurosurgical ward. During all phases of patient management, physiotherapy focused on daily assessment of respiratory and musculoskeletal function as well as the prevention and management of acute complications in intensive care unit and acquired physical impairments. Interventions included state of the art chest physiotherapy techniques as well as an early rehabilitation regimen from ICU to the step down unit and the ward. Significant improvements were noted before the patient was discharged, in respiratory function, muscle power and mobility. Planning and application of all physiotherapy techniques was in accordance to the most recent research evidence and clinical guidelines and contributed significantly to the patient’s overall clinical outcome.