Background: Visual deficits resulting in impaired balance is a common problem in individuals following a left-sided thalamic stroke due to impairments in their ability to process and relay sensory information between the brainstem and cerebrum. There are three systems that provide input regarding the body’s equilibrium and ultimately aid in maintaining balance: the somatosensory or proprioceptive system, the vestibular system, and the visual system. For individuals with prior co-morbid deficits in proprioceptive, vestibular, or visual systems, rehabilitation following a stroke is further complicated. Studies have shown that individuals who experience impairments in one of these systems are able to enhance the remaining systems to remain having adequate balance. Thus, the purpose of this case report is to highlight the addition of visual training into the rehabilitation of a patient following a stroke with a past medical history significant for bilateral diplopia. Case Description: The patient was a 67-year-old female status post left-sided thalamic infarct who was still experiencing right-sided weakness, balance difficulties, and diplopia. Interventions consisted of direct treatment with a focus on balance and visual training. Outcome Measures: The primary outcome measures considered for this patient included the Berg Balance Scale and Dynamic Gait Index assessments as well as patient report of diplopia. Discussion: This case report describes the clinical reasoning and interventions of improving balance in an individual with identified visual and strength deficits believed to be resulting in altered balance.
Dissertation
Treating Visual and Strength Deficits in a Patient Post Stroke to Improve Balance and Function: 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
- Treating Visual and Strength Deficits in a Patient Post Stroke to Improve Balance and Function: A Case Report
- Creators
- Adriana Printy - 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
- 7 pages
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2022 Adriana Printy
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Doctor of Physical Therapy Case Reports
- Record Identifier
- 9984560252702771
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