Occupational Therapy in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for a Neonate with Perinatal Stroke: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

Aim: This case report describes an occupational therapy intervention based on synactive theory for a neonate born full-term with a diagnosis of perinatal stroke. Intervention: Occupational therapy was provided 4–5 times a week for 3 weeks. The focus was improving infant state regulation and motor skills to support developmentally appropriate behaviors through environmental modifications, positioning, guided progression of sensory stimulation, and promotion of motor and postural skills. Outcomes: At discharge on day 24, the infant had improved state regulation, behavioral organization, and motor performance. Conclusion: Occupational therapy based on synactive theory was an effective therapeutic approach for improving the behavioral and motor organization of a full term infant diagnosed with perinatal stroke.

• KEYWORDS. Occupational Therapy
• neonate
• infant
• synactive theory
• developmental interventions
• neurobehavioral organization

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This work has been completed in partial fulfillment for the requirements of the Advanced Practice Certificate in Neuroscience at Thomas Jefferson University.

Declaration of Interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Cecilia Roan, MS, OTR/L, Advanced Clinical Specialist, College of Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Alison Bell, MOT, OTR/L, Instructor, Thomas Jefferson University, Department of Occupational Therapy, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.