Abstract
Purpose: Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) is a rare neurological disease which is characterized by progressive rigidity and painful spasms of axial and limb muscles. We report here on the physical therapy management as well as medical complications which impacted the physical therapy plan of care for a patient with paraneoplastic SPS in the acute care setting. Method: This case report describes rehabilitation management of a 71-year-old woman who presented in the acute care setting for complaints of progressively worsening stiffness in the bilateral lower extremities leading to multiple falls as well as dysphagia. Primary interventions for this patient included passive range of motion for stretching, bed mobility such as rolling, supine to sitting transfers, and scooting at the edge of bed, and family and patient education. Education focused on the importance of maintaining range of motion and prevention of pressure wounds and contractures. Results: By the end of the hospitalization, the patient had a marked reduction in tone and spasms as well as improved bed mobility. Progress was limited due to multiple medical complications the patient faced during treatment. Conclusion: Physical therapist intervention for SPS in the acute care setting is challenging due to the paucity of literature present. However, physical therapy remains an important aspect of patient care in order to maximize independence and function from early on.
Acknowledgements
None
Recommended Citation
Kim P, Berdoulay C, Davenport TE, Williams J. Physical Therapy Management for an Individual with Stiff Person Syndrome in the Acute Care Setting: A Case Report. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2024 Oct 04;22(4), Article 5.
