Date of Award

2022

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Relling, David

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States (CDC). Patients who experience a TBI may require hospitalization and intensive medical treatment. The purpose of this case study is to evaluate the role of physical therapy intervention in the acute care setting for a patient with a moderate to severe TBI and cerebral hemorrhage.

Case Description: The patient is a female in her early 30’s who experienced a TBI and cerebral hemorrhage. She required an emergency craniotomy and was admitted to the intensive care unit for further care. During the patient’s hospitalization she received physical therapy intervention to help regain her strength and functional mobility. I

nterventions: Physical therapy care focused on early mobility and progressive ambulation. Interventions included strengthening activities, balance training, bed mobility skills, transfer training, gait training, and patient/family education.

Outcomes: The patient made significant progress throughout her hospitalization, and she regained her functional mobility. She was evaluated as safe to discharge home with support from family and a referral to outpatient physical therapy services to continue working on higher level balance and endurance activities.

Discussion: Following early mobilization in the ICU and participation in physical therapy intervention the patient regained her independence with mobility and activities of daily living. More research is needed on the effects of physical therapy treatment on patients with moderate to severe TBI to create more standardization in care.

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