Date of Award

2017

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Renee Mabey

Keywords

Brain Injuries, Traumatic -- rehabilitation; Early Ambulation; Case Reports

Abstract

Background: Approximately 2.5 million individuals suffered from a TBI in the year of 2010. Many individuals who suffer a TBI are hospitalized for extended periods of time. Studies have shown that extended intensive care can result in deleterious and long-lasting side effects. Early mobility has been utilized to combat effects and has been shown to be safe and effective.

Purpose: To examine early mobility use as applied with respect to this case, a patient with a severe, acute TBI.

Case Description: The patient was a 26 year old male who sustained a TBI following a boat accident. The patient also sustained multiple fractures, abrasions and contusions. Following successful sedation reduction, the patient was re-examined and he was determined to be appropriate for early mobility interventions.

Outcomes: Following treatments, the patient was discharged from the hospital to an inpatient rehabilitation center. Upon discharge, the patient had achieved and exceeded his goals established during re-examination as he was able to complete supine to sit transfers, sit to stand transfers, and ambulate with minimal to moderate assistance.

Discussion and Conclusion: The primary limitation for this study was no defined Early Mobility Protocol within the facility. The patient's results were respectively good and unexpected as he had suffered a severe TBI with multisystem involvement.

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