University of North Dakota

UND Scholarly Commons

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects Department of Physical Therapy

2016

A Case Report: Cerebrovascular Accident

Kayla Andreasen
University of North Dakota

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Part of the Physical Therapy Commons

Recommended Citation
Andreasen, Kayla, "A Case Report: Cerebrovascular Accident" (2016). Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects. 576.
https://commons.und.edu/pt-grad/576

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 A CASE REPORT: CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT

by

Kayla Andreasen

Doctor of Physical Therapy

University of North Dakota, 2016
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
North Dakota State University, 2013

A Scholarly Project Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of the

Department of Physical Therapy

School of Medicine and Health Sciences

University of North Dakota

in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Grand Forks, North Dakota

May, 2016
This Scholarly Project, submitted by Kayla Andreasen in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of
North Dakota, has been read by the Advisor and Chairperson of Physical
Therapy under whom the work has been done and is hereby approved.

4~/lU~
(Gracttfate School Advisor)

(Chairperson, Physical erapy)

ii
 PERMISSION

Title A Case Report: Cerebrovascular Accident

Department Physical Therapy

Degree Doctor of Physical Therapy

In presenting this Scholarly Project in partial fulfillment of the requirements

for a graduate degree from the University of North Dakota, I agree that the
Department of Physical Therapy shall make it freely available for inspection. I
further agree that permission for extensive copying for scholarly purposes may
be granted by the professor who supervised my work or, in his absence, by the
Chairperson of the department. It is understood that any copying or publication
or other use of this Scholarly Project or part thereof for financial gain shall not be
allowed without my written permission. It is also understood that due recognition
shall be given to me and the University of North Dakota in any scholarly use
which may be made of any material in this Scholarly Project.

Signature

Date

III
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF FIGURES ......................................................................... v

LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................ VI

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................ vii

ABSTRACT ................................................................................. VIII

CHAPTER
I. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE ........................................ 1

II. CASE DESCRiPTION ........................................................ 7

Examination ........................................................7

Evaluation ......................................................... 13

Diagnosis and Prognosis ...................................... 16

Plan of Care ..................................................... 19

III. INTERVENTIONS ..........................................................20

IV. OUTCOMES .................................................................23

V. DiSCUSSiON .................................................................27

Reflective Practice ............................................. 28

APPENDIX

A. Geriatric Depression Scale ................................................ 30

B. Fugl-Meyer Functional Assessment Sub-Scale ...................... 31

REFERENCES ............................................................................. 32

IV
 LIST OF FIGURES

1. FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF THE BRAIN .......................................... 2

2. BLOOD SUPPLY TO THE BRAIN ................................................ 3

3. INTERNATIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF FUNCTION MODEL ........... 13

4. DRIVING AND RESTRAINING FORCES ........................................ 25

v
 LIST OF TABLES

1. SIGNIFICANT MEDICAL TIMELlNE.. ........................................... 8

2. THERAPEUTIC EXERCiSES ........................................................ 21

3. FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES .......................................................... 24

4. MINNESOTA PAYMENT RATES .................................................. 26

vi
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank my classmates, the faculty, and my family for

supporting me throughout my graduate schooling thus far. I would like to

specifically acknowledge and thank Kelli Bader, SPT and Mike Brooks, SPT for

the many edits, corrections and suggestions in developing this scholarly project.

And lastly, I would like to thank my advisor, Gary Schindler, OPT, OCS, LATC,

CSCS for guiding me through this process and providing me with insight in

completion of this scholarly project.

VII
 ABSTRACT

Background: Cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) are one of the leading

disabilities in America resulting in mild to severe functional limitations. These

functional limitations can be addressed in physical therapy (PT). Purpose: The

purpose of this case report is to review background, treatments, physical therapy

interventions and outcomes of a patient with a sub-acute stroke, treated in an

inpatient setting. Case Description: The patient was a 70 year old male with a

severe ischemic CVA following surgery to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

The patient was transferred to a nursing home to recover and returned to the

hospital 5 months later with hypotension and residual weakness of lower left

extremity. There he was treated by inpatient PT. Interventions: The patient was

treated 2x/day for 5 days in 45 minute sessions. Treatment consisted of gait

training, therapeutic exercise, and neuromuscular re-education. Outcomes: Over

the short course of treatment, the patient significantly improved in functional

mobility, transfers, ambulation, and bed mobility. He was accepted into the

Acute Rehab Unit for an extended rehab stay where he was able to receive more

intensive PT, and progress even further towards his goal of returning home.

Discussion: The patient responded well to treatment, however additional

interventions could be utilized in the future to aid in greater improvements.

VIII
 CHAPTER I

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

One of the leading disabilities in America is a cerebrovascular accident

(CVA) , commonly known as a stroke, leaving 40% of stroke patients with

moderate impairments and up to 30% with severe disabilities. 1 There are two

primary types of CVAs: ischemic and hemorrhagic. An ischemic stroke occurs

when the flow of oxygen-rich blood is obstructed from a region in the brain,

resulting in brain tissue damage. This obstruction of blood flow is often caused

by a blood clot or plaque. 2 Secondly, a hemorrhagic stroke occurs when an

artery to the brain leaks or bursts open. The leaking blood causes increased

pressure on the brain tissue, also resulting in tissue damage and death. A

hemorrhagic stroke can result from high blood pressure, and/or aneurysms. 2

There is also a third event, a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which can be

considered a type of stroke. TIAs are sometimes referred to as a "mini-stroke".

A TIA is similar to an ischemic stroke in that it is caused by blockage of blood

flow to the brain, yet unlike an ischemic stroke, this blockage only occurs for a

short time, usually 1-2 hours. Thus, damage to the brain cells is not permanenl. 2

A variety of function of the body can be affected depending on what

portion of the brain tissue has been damaged. Figure 1 depicts the various

bodily functions in which the brain is responsible for controlling. 3

1
 n
This illustratIon shows the brain's functional areas, After a stroke, deficits in function
depend on whiCh cerebral artery Is affected,

• Mawr ,t)nd' spe£!c.h pfududiot)

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There are 3 main vessels that carry blood to the brain, and therefore can

be involved in a stroke, These vessels are the Anterior Cerebral Artery (ACA) ,

Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA), and the Posterior Cerebral Artery (PCA)a Of

these three vessels, the largest and most commonly involved is the MCA. The

MCA supplies blood to a large portion of the brain as seen in Figure 2. It

supplies the frontal, temporal and parietal lobes, as well as deep brain structures

including the basal ganglia and intemal capsule, Occlusions of this vessel most

typically result in hemiplegia and sensory loss of the contralateral side of the

body as well as visual deficits, aphasia and unilateral neglect. 3 Strokes involving

the PCA and ACA are rare, Involvement of the PCA can result in visual deficits,

2
while involvement of the ACA can result in behavioral changes, contralateral

weakness and sensory loss, and incontinence. Strokes involving the vertebral-

basilar circulation can also occur and affect the cerebellum, brainstem, or both.

Cerebellar strokes will commonly impair balance and coordination 3

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cdpsuIe-,
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MeA slI!",rior
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Causes and risk factors of a CVA include atherosclerosis, high

cholesterol, high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, blood disorders, smoking,

3
diabetes, coronary artery disease, aneurysms, heart failure, age, family history,

ethnicity, lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet, obesity, stress, and

alcohol/drug abuse. Anyone of these factors can increase the risk of having a

stroke, although it is possible to have a stroke without any risk factors. 2 Signs

and symptoms of a CVA may include sudden weakness or paralysis particularly

on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or communicating, blurred vision, loss

of balance and coordination, severe headache, loss of consciousness, or

confusion. 3 A stroke is considered an emergency requiring immediate medical

attention. A CVA is diagnosed based on the signs and symptoms, medical

history, physical exam and test results. Test results can include a computed

tomography (CT) scan of the brain, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a

computed tomography arteriogram (CTA), or carotid ultrasound or angiography.

A doctor may also use an echocardiograph or an electrocardiogram (EKG) to

check the heart to determine an underlying cause of the stroke 3

Complications and impairments resulting from a stroke may fully reside, or

become permanent. These complications and impairments can include

swallowing or eating problems, communication difficulties, both receptively and

expressively, emotional changes, loss of bladder or bowel control, muscle and

nerve problems, language, speech and memory problems. Treatment of CVA

can include medication, surgery, lifestyle changes and rehabilitation.2

Rehabilitation intervention programs started early after stroke onset can enhance

the recovery process and decrease functional disability1. Increased function after

4
early rehabilitation leads to improved patient satisfaction and reduces costly long-

term care expenses. 1

This case study pertains to an individual in the sub-acute phase, 5 months

post ischemic stroke. As most intensive therapies are started in the acute phase,

the question arises: Will the intensive therapies still make significant

improvements in patients' abilities when administered in the sub-acute phase?

4
Tangeman et al addressed the rehabilitation of patients with chronic stroke (at

least 1 year post stroke), and concluded significant improvements in function

measured by weight shifting, balance and ADL scores. They also assessed

retainment of skills at a 3 month follow up. The results suggest physical therapy

can be beneficial to sub-acute or chronic stroke patients, though this study's

sample size was relatively small with a sample size of 40 participants.

Duncan et al 1 recommends a patient post-stroke should have a formally

coordinated and organized therapy, that it should be intensive, and rehab should

involve a variety of disciplines including PT, OT, MD, nursing, SLP, psychologist,

patient and family/caregivers. If not available, the patient should be referred to a

facility that can provide this type of therapy. Further studies agreed and

concluded there were significantly greater gains in functional recovery with more

intensive therapy.5

In addition, the literature recommends conventional physical therapy

including gait training, neuromuscular re-education, and therapeutic

exercise/activity immediately following acute onset of CVA. 6 Further articles

5
agree and support conventional therapy with supplementation of mirror therapy

or electrotherapy stimulation in order to restore motor function 7 ,8

This case report will illustrate the examination, intervention, and outcomes

of a patient with a eVA, who did not receive intensive physical therapy until 4-5

months after initial onset of stroke due to underlying medical issues and initial

severity level of extremity involvement. The purpose of this case report is to

review background, treatments, interventions, and outcomes of a patient with a

sub-acute stroke, treated in an inpatient setting.

6
 CHAPTER II

CASE DESCRIPTION

The patient presented to inpatient physical therapy in September, 2014

after PT received MD orders for evaluation for 'discharge planning' and

'weakness'. Review of history in the patient's chart concluded the patient had

underwent surgery to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in May, 2014

and awoke from surgery with symptoms of a CVA. Records indicated the patient

was transferred to a nursing home where he resided until a hypotensive episode

lead to hospitalization. The patient was then evaluated bedside by physical

therapy. The patient was a 70 year old, Caucasian male standing 5 feet 4 inches

tall and weighing 229 pounds. The information below depicts the results of the

examination procedure and information gathered.

Examination

Current Condition/Chief Complaint: The patient was admitted to the hospital

from the nursing home following complaints of dizziness and episodes of

blacking out resulting from hypotension. Blood pressure medications were

lowered and patient began to notice improvement of symptoms. He presented

with residual weakness of his left lower extremity (LLE) and decreased functional

independence resulting from his CVA.

7
Medical/Surgical History: This patient had a number of active medical

comorbidities including surgery to repair the AAA which resulted in the CVA and

a chronic aortic dissection. The CVA presented initially, with dense left

hemiplegia with involvement of upper and lower extremities, asphasia, and

dysphagia. He had a past medical history that included obesity, hypokalemia,

anemia, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, osteoarthritis, lower extremity edema, and

a chronic aortic dissection status post ascending aortic dissection repair. A

computerized tomography (CT) scan indicated stability with aortic dissection from

descending aorta to common iliacs. Additional medical history included

angioedema, hypothyroidism, and noctumal hypoxia. Refer to Table 1 for

significant medical timeline.

Significant Medical Timeline

~~~

- Medication adjusted; BP
Present Hospital: hospitalized after feeling returned to normal limits
vaguely ill, warm and diaphoretic - MI ruled out
(September -Chronic aortic dissection
2014) Ox: Hypotension
deemed stable
IP PT

8
 Family History: All family history is unremarkable with the exception of his

father being diagnoses with heart disease and his mother being diagnosed with

asthma.

Employment: He is a self-employed cattle farmer and was actively farming prior

to his eVA last Spring.

Social History: The patient was single, and had no children. A friend provided

support with transportation and managed the patient's cattle farm and finances

while he had been in the nursing home/hospital. The patient had two sisters

living in California, but no family locally. He reported no history of drinking or

smoking.

Living Environment: Patient lived alone in a one story house, on his farm. He

had a ramp to get into the house that was built by his friend following his eVA.

.. " The patient had not lived at home since his eVA; and had resided in a local

nursing home.

Assistive Devices: He had no assistive devices for mobility prior to eVA. After

readmission to the hospital, he received his own wheelchair, front wheeled

walker (FWW), and had ordered an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) for his left lower

extremity.

General Health Status: During the initial evaluation, the patient was very

motivated to regain independence. He denied pain, and overall he felt well. He

easily became tearful and emotional at times, and had a history of depression

following his eVA. He displayed some short-term memory loss and had

confusion regarding sequence of recent events, yet was not a significant barrier

9
to communication. He reported sleeping well, with the exception of waking from

3 to 6 am each morning for frequent urination, which began occurring following

his CVA. He was motivated for therapy and eager to return to his farm.

Functional Status & Activity Level: Prior to the patient's stroke he was

independent with all basic and advanced activities of daily living (ADLs) including

dressing, personal cares, toileting, ambulation, and all transfers. He lived alone

on his farm and managed all the finances independently. Following his stroke,

prior to acute PT rehabilitation, the patient had been maximum assist of two to

total assist with Hoyer lift in all transfers while residing at the nursing home. He

utilized the bed pan for toileting and began to implement ambulation in his

therapies, in which was a maximal assistance level of two. Upon evaluation, the

patient required maximum assistance of one with bed mobility and transfers, and

moderate assistance of two for ambulation using FWW for a total distance of ten

feet.

Relevant Medications: The patient was taking Coreg (Carvedilol), a beta

blocker used to treat high blood pressure, and Imdur, used to treat high blood

pressure. Imdur is not intended to be taken just prior to physical activityB Both

medications may contribute to lowering blood pressure too far, resulting in the

dizziness, light-headed-ness and near fainting that this patient was experiencing

prior to hospitalizationB-1o Following review of medications, it was determined

that blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturations would be closely

monitored throughout exercises.

10
Review of Available Records: The surgical report and physicians notes were

reviewed from the AAA surgery and resulting stroke in May in order to gather

additional history. The additional reports indicated that an MRI identified

scattered foci in both the cerebral and cerebellar hemisphere bilaterally,

consistent with an ischemic CVA. Clinically, he initially displayed dense left

hemiplegia, dysphagia, and aphasia. After some recovery, he was transferred to

a nursing home on 6/09/2014 to receive therapies including PT, OT and speech.

At the nursing home, his cognitive status improved, asphasia resolved, and he

regained left upper extremity function and began to dispay a small amount of

return of left lower extremity function.

Systems Review

Cardiovascular/Pulmonary: Upon evaluation, HR: 74bpm, RR: 16rpm, and BP:

126/70mmHg. Minimal lower extremity edema noted.

Integumentary: No skin lesions present.

Musculoskeletal: Patient was obese, with a BMI of 39.34. The patient

demonstrated a forward flexed posture with kyphosis and forward head.

Strength, range of motion (ROM), and endurance values are depicted in tests

and measures below.

Gait: During ambulation the patient exhibited llE internal rotation and foot drop

on the left. He was unable to initiate a step with his llE, and required assistance

of two in order to ensure proper placement and advancement of llE. He

demonstrated decreased gait velocity, decreased step length bilaterally, and

decreased weight shift to the left.

11
Tests & Measures: Strength was grossly 5/5 for RUE, 4+/5 for LUE, 5/5 for RLE,

2+/5 hip and knee strength and 3/5 ankle strength on the LLE. His PROM was

within functional limits throughout. 11 The patient displayed good balance in sitting

in that he was able to remain seated without loss of balance for an unspecified

amount of time. In standing he was able to balance with a FWW and standby

assistance, however he leaned to the right during dynamic activities. The

patient's endurance limited his ability to participate in extended gait trainings. His

endurance was tested daily via HR, BP, 02 saturation levels, and distance

ambulated. In addition, the patient's tolerance to LLE weight bearing during

static standing was tested daily. Dynamic balance was assessed via the patient's

ability to complete weight shifting cone transfers and dynamic reaching abilities.

Dynamic balance was also assessed with observation of the extent of loss of

balance with sit to stand transfers.

The patient completed the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) as a way to

assess his quality of life. The GDS assesses depression and suicide ideation in

elderly individuals. The full scale consists of 30 yes or no questions, though

12
there are forms available with a shorter number of questions. For this patient, a

short form of 15 questions was utilized. An example of this form is included in

Appendix A. A score of greater than 5 on a 15 question scale, may indicate

depression. 12 This tool has a sensitivity of 69% and a specificity of 75%, both

specific to patients with a stroke. 13 The patient scored a 6115, indicating

depression and suggesting a referral to psychology.

12
 Evaluation

The patient's evaluation was guided through use of the International

Classification of Function (ICF). This is disablement model and how the patient

fit into each of the categories is depicted below.

International Classification of Function Model (leF)

Health Condition

[disorder or disease)

Body 1nctions
1
& Structure ""------l>. Activity ""---~, Participation

t
~.~----+.---~ "I .~~~.~---'- i
t Contextual Factors i

Adapt~d from: Mod~1 QrDrsabitity-lC~ Model

Health Condition: The patient was diagnosed with a CVA five months prior to

this evaluation.

Body Function & Structure: Residual symptoms and results of the

cerebrovascular accident include decreased strength involving the LLE,

decreased ROM of left dorsiflexion, and decreased balance. Due to low activity

level while residing in the nursing home following his stroke, the patient

developed significantly decreased endurance.

13
Activity: Abilities and limitations demonstrated by the patient include maximum

assist of one for bed mobility, maximum assist of one for all transfers including sit

to/from stand, and pivot transfers. The patient was able to ambulate using a front

wheeled walker with moderate assistance of two for a distance of 10 feet.

Standing balance is impaired and the patient demonstrated decreased weight

shifting to left throughout standing, transfers and ambulation.

Participation: Patient participation involved the inability to return home alone to

live independently due to safety concerns. He required assistance with self-

cares, dressing and toileting. He was unable to move in hospital room

independently for ADL's or leisure. He is able to participate in balance activities

including cone transfers and standing weight shifting exercises.

Environmental Factors: Positive environmental factors working in the patient's

favor included supportive friends who had built wheelchair accessible ramp at the

patient's home and managed his farm and finances. The patient's insurance

coverage of Acute Rehab Unit stay in hospital and physician approval of patient

for ARU were both positive environmental factors. Negative environmental

factors included the lack of family support, living alone, and not being placed in

an intensive rehabilitation program to regain function immediately after eVA.

Personal Factors: Positive personal factors included high motivation to

complete therapies in order to improve function. He made significant

improvements in mobility in short time while at hospital. Negative personal

factors included the patient's depression following his eVA and uncertainty of

14
prognosis of eVA. The patient also fatigued easily and had a lack of knowledge

of condition, or how interventions may help.

Interpretation of examination findings: The patient's hypotension, in which he

was originally hospitalized, had resolved. He presented with residual symptoms

and impairments of prior eVA. Documentation did not support that the patient

had an extensive rehab stay to increase functional independence following his

evA. His current level of function and progress thus far suggested the patient

would be an appropriate candidate for placement in the Acute Rehab Unit (ARU)

of the hospital. This would provide him with an extended stay to undergo more

intensive rehab than available at the nursing home. Therapy in ARU would

consist of three hours/day, so that he could have greater and more rapid return of

endurance, strength and neuromuscular function of left lower extremity. Until

patient was accepted into ARU, he was continued to be treated by inpatientPT.

Patient problems: The patient had decreased endurance due to inactivity

following his eVA. The decreased endurance impacted the patient's ability to

wheel himself down to the dinner table while at the nursing home. The decreased

endurance also limited his ability to stand or walk for extended periods of time

which inhibited his maximal potential for gain in physical therapy. He had

residual weakness in LLE as a result of his eVA, which limited his independence

in transfers and ambulation, rendering him inappropriate to return to his home at

this time due to safety concerns. He also has decreased balance, which limited

his ability to statically stand and to weight shift which ultimately increases his fall

risk when performing activities such as reaching for a bowl to cook a meal.

15
Prevention needs: Due to the patient being non-ambulatory at the time of

hospitalization, prevention measures needed to be addressed. These included

positional changes and tuming to decrease risk of pressure sores, as well as

education of inactivity and importance for movement to prevent deep vein

thromboses. The patient was educated by the MD, nursing, and PT on the risk

factors that may contribute to onset of a stroke, as well as ways to change his

lifestyle to decrease the modifiable risk factors. These included, diet, sedentary

lifestyle, cholesterol, blood pressure, and stress. 2

Health, wellness, and fitness needs: Functional mobility training and

neuromuscular re-education were important components of the patient's

rehabilitation in IP PT and needed to be implemented throughout the rest of his

recovery in order to maintain gains and progress further. 14

Diagnosis

Preferred Practice Pattern: 50: Impaired Motor Function and Sensory Integrity

Associated with Nonprogressive Disorders of the Central Nervous System-

Acquired in Adolescence or Adulthood. 15

Medical diagnosis (ICD-9 Codes): Ischemic CVA, 434.91 15

Prognosis

Prognosis: Rehab potential was good for the patient to undergo inpatient

physical therapy to increase activity tolerance so that the patient may be

considered for admission to the Acute Rehab Unit. Rehab potential was good

with a projected discharge destination to return to his home after an extended

stay in the Acute Rehab Unit. He was expected to require home services of PT,

16
OT, and nursing upon return to home, so that he could reach a level appropriate

for independent activity in the community. Anticipated assistive devices included

an AFO for left leg, a front wheeled walked, a wheelchair, a leg leash, and a

reacher.

Anticipated duration and frequency of intervention: While in inpatient PT,

the patient received physical therapy 2x1day for 45 minute sessions. The patient

was referred to be evaluated for acceptance into ARU. Anticipated duration of

ARU stay was 6 weeks. While in ARU, the patient received a more intensive

rehabilitation which consisted of 3 hours of therapy/day, 5 days per week with an

additional shorter session on the weekend.

Rehabilitation Goals:

Short term goals for inpatient Physical Therapy, to be met in 1 week:

1. The patient will increase his endurance so that he can ambulate 25 ft

with minimum assistance x2 with use of front wheeled walked in order

to walk to bathroom without use of wheelchair.

2. The patient will increase strength in order to demonstrate minimum

assistance x1 for bed mobility, so that he can sit at edge of bed for

meals, and change positions to reduce risk of pressure sores.

3. The patient will increase static standing balance to 3 minutes so that

he is able to stand at his bathroom sink in order to shave and brush

his teeth.

Gathered from records:

Short term goals for Acute Rehab Unit to be met in 3 weeks:

17
 1. The patient will increase strength and coordination in order to be

standby assistance of 1 with bed mobility so that he can change

positions in order to reduce risk of pressure sores.

2. The patient will increase strength in order to be standby assistance

with sit to stand transfers so that he can get up from his chair at the

dinner table, and off the toilet.

3. The patient will increase his endurance so that he is a minimal

assistance of 1 when ambulating 75 feet with FWW so that he is able

to ambulate between rooms in his house.

4. The patient will increase his endurance so that he may propel up and

down a ramp with manual wheelchair, with standby assistance so that

he can access entry to his home.

Gathered from records:

Long term goals for Acute Rehab Unit to be met in 6 weeks:

1. The patient will increase strength in order to be modified independent

with bed mobility so that he can change positions in order to reduce

risk of pressure sores, and safely return to living on his own.

2. The patient will increase his strength so that he is modified

independent with use of a FWW for sit to stand transfers in order to

get up from his chair at the dinner table and get off the toilet when he

is alone at home.

3. The patient will be increase his endurance so that he is standby

assistance when ambulating 150 feet with use of L AFO, and FWW for

18
 household/community ambulating in order get to his bedroom in his

home.

4. The patient will increase endurance in order to propel his wheelchair

up and down a ramp with modified independence in order to access

entry to his home.

Plan of Care

Plan of Care: Physical therapy planned to treat patient while in the hospital for

45 minute sessions, 2xJday, 5 days/week. Focus treatment on neuromuscular

re-education, therapeutic exercise and gait training. Recommended admission to

Acute Rehab Unit of the hospital following MD approval, where patient would

undergo intensive rehab and an extended stay, so that he could improve his

functional independence and achieve his goal to retum to his home.

Discharge Criteria: Criteria for discharge of inpatient PT, included acceptance

into ARU, attainment of goals appropriate for discharge to home, or plateau in

progress.

19
 CHAPTER III

INTERVENTION

Inpatient physical therapy treatment sessions consisted of 45 minute

sessions 2x1day. The patient was seen for 5 days, making a total of 10 sessions.

These sessions were divided into 15 minutes of neuromuscular re-education

(NMR), 15 minutes of gait training, and 15 minutes of therapeutic exercise. All

three of these intervention techniques have been shown to equally increase

function in stoke patients. 14 NMR included balance and weight shifting activities

to increase weight bearing and activity/proprioception of LLE. Research

indicates symmetrical weight bearing aides in return of LE function and fall

prevention in post-stroke individuals 16, therefore, neuromuscular activities

included timed static standing balance, and weight-shifting with UE reaching

tasks, and transfers across body in order to encourage weight-bearing on

affected LLE. Gait training was provided with manual assistance and verbal cues

to ensure proper placement and advancement of LLE in order to retrain the brain

and muscles into a correct gait pattern, as well as increase aerobic

endurance. Therapeutic exercise was provided to strengthen left hip, knee and

ankle motions so that patient is able to better tolerate weight bearing on LLE with

activities such as gait. This included PT manual resisted isometrics, AROM and

AAROM as necessary for all hip, knee, and ankle motions. Research states that

20
facilitation can significantly improve voluntary movement by way of activation of

muscle spindles and golgi tendon organs,17 therefore, these exercises were

conducted with patient supine and seated on a mat, with facilitation techniques in

the form of tapping as necessary. See Table 3 below for a list of therapeutic

exercises completed.

Exercise Resistance Assistance Sets X Reps.

Hip Abduction Manual & Facilitation 2x10

Hip Adduction Manual Resist. 2x10

Straight Leg Raise Manual 2x10

Int.lExt. Hip Rot. Manual & Facilitation 2x10

Glute Set Isometric 2x10

Hamstring Set Isometric 2x10

Quad Set Isometric Facilitation 2x10

Short Arc Quad Facilitation 2x10

Heel Slide Manual Resist. 2x10

Ankle dorsiflex. Manual & Facilitation 2x10

Ankle Plantarflex. Manual Resist. 2x10

Dorsiflex. Stretch 3x30sec. hold

Treatment sessions always started and ended with gait training with PT

assistance and use of FWW. Gait training was divided into two sessions due to

the patient's decreased endurance and tolerance for ambulation. This allowed for

21
more activities to be completed with NMR and therapeutic exercise before the

patient became overly exhausted. Due to gait training being the most strenuous

for this patient, blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation were

consistently monitored before, during, and after ambulation. Treatment sessions

incorporated bed mobility with sit to/from supine motions in order for the patient

to transition out of bed and position himself on the mat for therapeutic exercise.

Transfers techniques were also incorporated within treatment sessions by

incorporating sit to/from stand to better complete NMR activities and gait training,

and allow easier transition from we to mat. Throughout treatment sessions,

assistance level of bed mobility, transfers, and ambulation distance were

consistently recorded at each treatment session to measure functional progress

and to ensure patient would reach a functional level appropriate for acceptance

into ARU for an extended stay.

After acceptance of patient into ARU, and discharge of inpatient PT, the

treatment sessions increased in duration to 3 hours/day to include PT, OT and

speech. OT focused on dressing, self cares and toileting, while PT focused on

we mobility, ambulation, transfers, endurance and strength. At the ARU, the

patient was provided a left AFO, secondary to foot drop during ambulation.

22
 CHAPTER IV

OUTCOMES

The patient had multiple underlying comorbidities discussed above,

including the chronic dissecting abdominal aortic aneurysm and severity of CVA

symptoms originally rendering him not appropriate to tolerate the 3 hours of

therapy/day which ARU required, This may have led to the way his case was

managed beforehand with delayed intensive therapies following his CVA

Throughout inpatient physical therapy, the patient continued to show accelerated

progress and recovery of residual CVA symptoms over his 1 week long hospital

stay, He was referred to the ARU due to his rapid increases in functional

mobility, suggesting the patient would benefit from a more intensive rehabilitation

program than available at the nursing home he had been residing following his

CVA He was evaluated and accepted into the Acute Rehabilitation Unit by the

ARU MD, therefore discharged from inpatient physical therapy, ARU allowed the

patient to have access to more intensive PT, OT, and speech therapies, A

reassessment was completed following three weeks of being admitted to the

ARU, The functional outcomes of inpatient PT and 3 weeks of ARU are depicted

below in Table 3, Since the overall discharge goal of ARU was for the patient to

return to his home, new goals were created to further improve independence with

mobility before discharge,

23
Bed Mobility Max A. xi Min A. xi SBA TBA

Transfers Max A. xi Mod A. xi Sit<>stand: TBA

SBA
Pivot: Min A.
xi
Ambulation Mod. A. x2 A. xi
FWW FWW FWW&AFO
10ft. 25 ft. 75 ft.

Factors Affecting Outcomes: There were various factors in which contributed

to this patient's successes and hurdles every step of the way. The final desired

outcome was discharge from ARU to return home. While it was unknown if the

patient ever reached this potential, his vast strides in functional mobility can be

seen over the course of his IP PT stay, and first 3 weeks of ARU. The patient

was approved for a longer stay in ARU to further increase his independence.

Unfortunately, further information on this patient was not available, so it was not

possible to follow up with his continued progress. Based on his previous

progress, it is likely that the patient did gain enough independence to return to his

farm with home PT, OT, and nursing services as needed. Figure 3 depicts

driving and restraining forces, which contributed to the patient's discharge goal

progression.

24
 DRIVING FORCES RESTRAINING FORCES

Depressed
Highly Motivated
No family in area/at home
Support from Friends
Low Endurance
Home Services
Residual LLE Hemiplegia
Available
Requires assistance with
Has we ramp built ambulation/transfers

- ARU accepted pt for

Requires assistance with
intensive eVA
personal cares
rehabilitation
Poor case management
Insurance coverage
resulting in inadequate PT
following eVA 5 month
Rapid gains in mobility ago

CostlBenefit Analysis: The total number of physical therapy visits this patient

had in IP PT was 10, as he received PT 2x/day for 5 days. The average cost per

visit was $102.22. Below, Table 4 depicts typical session with associated

charges. The average total cost of care was $1022.19. 18 Total cost to the

patient was $0.00 as the expenses were covered by the Inpatient Prospective

Payment System (IPPS) under Medicare Part A. Each patient's case is classified

into a diagnoses-related group (DRG). Each DRG has a payment weight

assigned to it based on the average resources used to treat Medicare patients in

that DRG. 19

25
 2015 Payment Rates for Minnesota

97001 A PT Evaluation $75.09

97110 A Therapeutic Exercises $32.36
97112 A Neuromuscular Re Education $33.71
97116 A Gait Training $28.64·
** Code 97504 should not be reported with
code. 97116

The patient was no longer able to operate his cattle farm, but was

fortunate to have a close friend take over for him throughout his time in the

hospitals, nursing homes, and ARU so that he could still make a profit from his

farm. After inpatient PT, the patient was transferred to ARU, which also was

covered under his insurance as he had not received extensive rehab initially

following his stroke.

Impact of Societal Resources: Given the patient would have initially been

transferred into a more intensive rehabilitation unit immediately following his

stroke, he possibly could have accelerated his return of function, lowering the

cost of rehabilitation and reduced the time period of nursing home placement.

With the average cost of a nursing home in the United States being $205/day,

these finances could accumulate quickly.2o

Patient Satisfaction: The patient was very pleased with his progress and

enjoyed his therapies, though they exhausted him. He was motivated to continue

to progress in his functional ability so that he could return home to his farm.

26
 CHAPTER V

DISCUSSION

Overall, the patient had a difficult start following his stroke. He was not

placed in an appropriate intensive rehab facility possibly due to his low tolerance

of activity (ARU requires tolerance of 3 hours/day) and co-morbidities (obesity,

AAA, and chronic dissection) Intensive rehabilitation has been proven to create

significant gains in function following a stroke,21 so it is unfortunate the patient

was unable to receive this immediately following his stroke. Though he did not

initially qualify for the rehab, he was able to begin to regain function throughout

his four month nursing home stay. Following hospital readmission, due to his

bout of hypotension, he proceeded to improve his functional mobility while his

chronic abdominal aortic dissection stabilized. Four months following his stroke,

his improved mobility and stabilized abdominal aortic dissection helped qualify

him for acceptance to the ARU. Had he not been readmitted to the hospital

secondary to hypotension, he may not have been evaluated by PT. Without a PT

evaluation the patient could have continued to reside in the nursing home

receiving limited therapies. This could have resulted in continuation of his

slowed functional progress and a greater financial cost long term. While in ARU,

he continued to make rapid functional gains after receiving the appropriate

27
amount of intensive therapies, and was approved for an extended stay in order to

reach his goal to return home.

Reflective Practice

In retrospect of this patient's case, there are a few interventions and

assessments that could have been added to treatment. Mirror therapy is a

relatively new treatment in which a mirror is set up so that the patient sees the

reflection of their non-paretic extremity performing exercises or movement.

When the patient looks into the mirror, it appears as though their affected

extremity is the one moving l This essentially tricks the brain and aids it in re-

wiring itself and creating a new neural pathway. As indicated by Slltbeyaz et a1 7 ,

the use of mirror therapy in addition to conservative treatment of strokes

enhances lower extremity motor recovery and functioning in sub-acute stroke

patients. Mirror therapy would have served as a beneficial addition to this

patient's PT treatment had the facility had the appropriate resources.

In addition to mirror therapy, the use of electromygraphic (EMG)

biofeedback could have been added to treatment of this patient. EMG

biofeedback placed on the affected paretic muscles can help to facilitate

contraction as it will show the patient when the slightest bit of contraction is

occurring 8 According to Moreland et ai, 8 EMG biofeedback is superior to

conventional therapy alone, for improving ankle dorsiflexion strength.

A more specific and quantitative functional outcome measure could have

been utilized in documentation of the patient's functional progress and baseline.

The functional assessment I would have utilized in retrospect would have been

28
the Fugl Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery (Minimal Detectable change=5.2

points, Minimal Clinically Important Difference=10, Intraclass Correlation

Coefficient Reliability=.96).22 This tool identifies a quantitative value to stroke

recovery in order to better gauge improvements. It is composed of 5 domains

including motor function, sensory function, balance, joint ROM, and joint pain.

Items are scored on a 3 point ordinal scale (O=cannot perform, 1=performs

partially, 2=performs fully), with a maximum score of 226 pts. For efficiency,

subscales can also be administered without using the full test. 23 An example of a

LE Fugl-Meyer sub-scale that could have been utilized with this patient is

included in Appendix B.

Though there could have been both changes and additions to treatment

interventions and evaluation procedures, the patient's case was ultimately

managed well. Through IP PT, he reached a functional level appropriate for

acceptance into the ARU. This provided him with the intensive therapy he

needed in order to ensure the greatest potential to return to his home.

29
Choose the best answer for how you have felt over the past week:

1. Are you basically satisfied with your life? YES I NO

2. Have you dropped many of your activities and interests? YES I NO

3. Do you feel that your life is empty? YES I NO

4. Do you often get bored? YES I NO

5. Are you in good spirits most of the time? YES I NO

6. Are you afraid that something bad is going to happen to you? YES I NO

7. Do you feel happy most of the time? YES I NO

8. Do you often feel helpless? YES I NO

9. Do you prefer to stay at home, rather than going out and doing new things?

YES I NO

10. Do you feel you have more problems with memory than most? YES I NO

11. Do you think it is wonderful to be alive now? YES I NO

12. Do you feel pretty worthless the way you are now? YES I NO

13. Do you feel full of energy? YES I NO

14. Do you feel that your situation is hopeless? YES I NO

15. Do you think that most people are better off than you are? YES I NO

Answers in bold indicate depression. Score 1 point for each bolded answer.

A score> 5 points is suggestive of depression.

A score <: 10 points is almost always indicative of depression.
A score> 5 points should warrant a follow-up comprehensive assessment.

This scale is in the public domain.

30
E. LOWER EXTREMITY
I. Reflex activity, supine position .
.
none can be elicited
Flexors: knee flexors 0 2
Extensors: patellar, Achilles 0 2
Subtotal I (max 4)

II. Volitional movement within synergies, supine position none I partial I full
Flexor synergy: Maximal hip flexion Hip flexion 0 1 2
(abduction/external rotation), maximal flexion in
Knee flexion 0 1 2
knee and ankle joint (palpate distal tendons to
ensure active knee flexion). Ankle dorsiflexion 0 1 2
Extensor synergy: From flexor synergy to the hip
Hip extension 0 1 2
extension/adduction, knee extension and ankle
plantar flexion. Resistance is applied to ensure adduction 0 1 2
active movement, evaluate both movement and Knee extension 0 1 2
strength. Ankle plantar flexion 0 1 2
Subtotal II (max 14)

III. Volitional movement mixing synergies, sitting position, .knee 10cm none partial full
from the edqe of the chair/bed
Knee flexion from no active motion 0
actively or passively no flexion beyond 90', palpate tendons of hamstrings 1
extended knee knee flexion beyond 90', palpate tendons of hamstrings 2
An kle dorsiflexion no active motion 0
compare with limited dorsiflexion 1
unaffected side complete dorsiflexion 2
Subtotal III (max 4)

IV. Volitional movement with little or no synergy, standing position, none partial full
hip at 0°
Knee flexion to 90' no active motion / immediate and simultaneous hip flexion 0
hip at 0', balance less than 90' knee flexion or hip flexion during movement 1
support is allowed at least 90' knee flexion without simultaneous hip flexion 2
Ankle dorsiflexion no active motion 0
com pare with limited dorsiflexion 1
unaffected side com plete dorsiflexion 2
Subtotal IV (max 4)

V. Normal reflex activity supine position, evaluated only if full score of 4 pointsachieved on earlier part
IV, compare with unaffected side
Reflex activity o points on part IV or 2 of 3 reflexes markedly hyperactive 0
l<nee flexors, 1 reflex markedly hyperactive or at least 2 reflexes lively 1
Achilles, patellar maximum of 1 reflex lively, none hyperactive 2
Subtotal V (max 2)

Total E (max 28)

31
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