Physical Therapy and Interdisciplinary Care in an Inpatient Rehabilitation Setting for a Patient Diagnosed with a Cerebellar Stroke: A Case Report

Background: A cerebellar infarct is an uncommon type of stroke that occurs when a portion of the cerebellum is disrupted by a blocked or bleeding blood vessel. This can cause motor and balance deficits amongst a plethora of other symptoms. These strokes can have devasting effects on patients in a multitude of ways, such as loss of balance, coordination, weakness, dysphagia, and diplopia to name a few. Purpose: The purpose of this case report is to detail the physical therapy care provided for a cerebellar stroke patient in an inpatient rehabilitation unit, while highlighting the roles of the rest of the clinical care team and the importance of working together to optimize patient outcomes. Case Description: A previously healthy 68-year-old male was admitted to a hospital with dizziness and left-sided weakness. Four days later, he was transferred to inpatient rehabilitation to address deficits such as dysphagia, bladder incontinence, and inability to independently ambulate, transfer, dress, or complete personal hygiene. Interventions: Physical therapy targeted functional impairments such as ambulation, transfers, and stair navigation. Other disciplines worked with physical therapists while addressing impairments in swallowing, vision, activities of daily living. Outcomes: The patient had achieved independence or completion with minimal assistance in all functional tasks at the time of discharge. Outcomes were assessed via CARE tool items. Discussion: There is a need for more high-quality research to support specific physical therapy treatment methods for cerebellar strokes. Interventions should be tailored towards achieving functional goals through compensatory and restorative methods. Collaborative, interdisciplinary care is vital for treating the wide variety of possible symptoms and achieving optimal outcomes.