Successful Inpatient Rehabilitation Physical Therapy Management of a Patient with Transient Central Cord Syndrome: A Case Report

Background: Spinal contusion injuries are among the most common types of incomplete spinal cord injuries and vary greatly in nature from case-to-case [1-4]. Due to the variability of presentation, central cord syndrome may present itself in some cases such as this one. Central cord syndrome and ataxia can both be present following an incomplete SCI as with our patient. Case Description: A 65-year-old female sustained incomplete spinal cord contusion injury as a result of a fall off of her counter. As a result of the spinal contusion injury, the patient experienced central cord syndrome. She presented with increased weakness in upper extremities that was more notable than the weakness displayed in lower extremities. Intervention: A variety of interventions were utilized in this inpatient rehabilitation setting, such as seated balance training, standing balance training, transfer training, and gait training. Gait training included many different interventions and methods as well such as utilizing the Auto Ambulator, Ekso, and therapist-assisted overground walking. Outcomes: Section GG Functional Abilities and Goals scoring, implemented by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid as part of the Continuity Assessment Record and Evaluation (CARE) item set, was utilized to monitor the progression of the patient’s functional ability to complete various tasks. Discussion: The purpose of this case report is to describe the rehabilitation management of a patient achieving independence following a cervical spinal cord contusion injury. This patient came to the inpatient rehabilitation hospital in a dependent state and 28 days later walked out of the hospital.