Physiotherapeutic treatment in a patient with encephalopathy and frontal lobe syndrome due to severe hydrocephalus

Abstract

Background: Congenital hydrocephalus may have a better prognosis if it is early detected and treated. Physical therapy can help improve motor function and quality of life, but the final result depends on multiple factors. Clinical case: 6-year-old patient, with a history of congenital hydrocephalus detected prenatally, who had an episode of intracranial hypertension due to obstruction of the derivative system, after which he recovered with motor and visual neurological sequelae. He is received at the Inspiration Center Clinic for rehabilitation. After initial findings of poor strength, endurance, balance, and motor control resulting in dependent mobility, the physical therapy plan focused on exercises and activities to address these deficiencies. The visual deficiency was evaluated and treated by Ophthalmology, which was also rehabilitated. Part of the sessions were held in person, and others online. The support and participation of the family was essential. After a year of treatment he was walking independently, with notable improvement in his balance on all types of surfaces (he goes up and down stairs, he can kick a ball, and can take wider steps backwards and to the sides). In this way, his progressive incorporation into children's games was achieved, with greater autonomy and development. Conclusions: The combination of a physical therapy program, with stimulation in the clinic, with family training and rehabilitation at home, allows obtaining excellent results in children with acute neurological injuries like the one presented.