Background: Symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) can have a negative effect on a person’s mobility and ability to function independently. It has been shown that immobility can cause worsening of MS symptoms. Physical therapy is one approach that is used for management of symptoms and to prevent secondary comorbidities by promoting physical activity and improving functional independence. The purpose of this case report is to discuss a patient with MS who developed a significant comorbidity, the challenges faced during rehabilitation, and considerations for implementing effective interventions. Case Description: The patient was a 51-year-old male with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis who had a stroke. The patient was transferred to an inpatient rehabilitation facility following his hospital stay with significant functional mobility deficits. The patient ultimately wanted to return home independently and be able to walk again. Interventions: The patient underwent three hours of therapy, five days a week, for three weeks. Interventions initially focused on improving independence with bed mobility, wheelchair mobility, transfer training, and right quadriceps activation. Later in his stay, interventions were highly centered around standing and gait training. Outcomes: The Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility – Patient Assessment Instrument (IRF-PAI) Section GG Mobility Items were utilized to demonstrate improvements in the patient’s functional mobility during his inpatient rehabilitation stay. Discussion: Inactivity in the MS population can lead to secondary comorbidities which can decrease an individual’s independence with functional mobility. When secondary comorbidities, such as a stroke, present themselves resulting in increased impairment, it is important for physical therapists to help patients regain as much functional independence as possible. Although research on appropriate exercise dosing is limited for the MS population, consideration of patient symptoms can help guide this process. Despite the lack of research, individuals with MS can experience significant improvement with functional mobility and their overall quality of life.
Dissertation
Rehabilitation Challenges for a Patient with Multiple Sclerosis Following a Stroke and Considerations for Implementing Effective Interventions: A Case Report
University of Iowa
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) , University of Iowa
Autumn 2023
Free to read and download, Open Access
Abstract
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Rehabilitation Challenges for a Patient with Multiple Sclerosis Following a Stroke and Considerations for Implementing Effective Interventions: A Case Report
- Creators
- Taylor Hansen - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Stacey DeJong (Advisor) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Case Report
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) , University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science
- Date degree season
- Autumn 2023
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 8 pages
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2023 Taylor Hansen
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Doctor of Physical Therapy Case Reports
- Record Identifier
- 9984560345702771
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