Background: Spinal cord infarction is a rare and serious medical event where estimates of its occurrence are 1% to 2% of ischemic strokes and 5% to 8% of all acute myelopathies.1 There are currently a small number of studies and sample sizes investigating the rehabilitative potential, progression, and expected long-term outcomes compared to cerebrovascular strokes and other spinal cord injuries. Purpose: The purpose of this case report is to provide an example of a rapid progression and excellent return to prior level of function for a patient recovering from anterior spinal artery ischemia to help guide prognostic potential for future cases. Case Description: A male in his mid-40’s diagnosed with spinal cord stroke involving anterior spinal artery at thoracolumbar levels presented to outpatient neurological physical therapy with impaired functional mobility, balance, gait, and endurance, as well as bilateral lower extremity weakness. He participated in physical therapy rehabilitation to progress towards his goals of returning to work and independent ambulation without an assistive device. Outcomes: He demonstrated steady and meaningful improvements in the following outcome measures: five times sit to stand, 2-minute walk test, 6-minute walk test, and berg balance assessment. The patient achieved his occupational and ambulation goals within 6 months of outpatient physical therapy. Discussion: This case report outlines an example of the recovery process from anterior spinal artery ischemic infarction where a patient achieved multiple, positive outcomes and personal physical therapy goals. His functional outcomes add data to the currently limited pool of information to help clinicians establish an appropriate plan of care and patient/family expectations for future cases of spinal cord infarction.
Dissertation
Rehabilitation Outcomes and Developing Prognostic Potential for Spinal Cord Infarction Recovery: A Case Report
University of Iowa
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) , University of Iowa
Autumn 2022
Free to read and download, Open Access
Abstract
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Rehabilitation Outcomes and Developing Prognostic Potential for Spinal Cord Infarction Recovery: A Case Report
- Creators
- Makenzy Schick - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Laura Frey-Law (Advisor) - University of IowaMichael Petrie (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 2022
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 13 pages
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2022 Makenzy Schick
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Doctor of Physical Therapy Case Reports
- Record Identifier
- 9984560351402771
Metrics
3 Record Views