Rehabilitation for a complex patient following cerebellar hemorrhage and obstructive hydrocephalus: A case report

ABSTRACT

Background and Purpose

Inpatient rehabilitation facilities play an integral role in patient progress post-stroke. Cerebellar hemorrhages are an infrequent type of stroke and are therefore less discussed in the literature; however, inpatient rehabilitation continues to be an integral part of patient recovery. The purpose of this case report is to discuss the physical therapy interventions, challenges, and successes for a complex patient with a large cerebellar hemorrhage with obstructive hydrocephalus. Case Description: The patient is a 32-year-old male admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation facility. Prior to admission, the patient spent 1 month at a local hospital following a complicated recovery status post cerebellar hemorrhage with obstructive hydrocephalus. Interventions: The patient participated in at least 3 hours of combined therapy a day, split into 30- and 60-min sessions, and divided between physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Physical therapy interventions focused on various gait and coordination activities. Outcomes: The patient spent 47 days in an inpatient rehabilitation facility and demonstrated improvements in all aspects of the Functional Independence Measure®. The patient improved from an 18 to a 90 on the total FIM® score, allowing the patient to ultimately be discharged home with family able to provide 24/7 supervision.

KEYWORDS:

• Cerebellar stroke
• obstructive hydrocephalus
• rehabilitation
• physical therapy
• independence
• outcomes