The Physiotherapy Process of a Plegic Patient Who Communicates with Foot Movement—A Case Report

Abstract

There are no official recommendations regarding physiotherapy for encephalitis patients. However, such patients, depending on their condition, have to undergo rehabilitation preceded by a detailed functional examination. The paper describes the physiotherapy treatment of a 28-year-old female after acute encephalitis. She suffered three-limb palsy with preserved movement in the right ankle joint. The patient was admitted to a clinic that offers respiratory therapy, where she underwent a comprehensive rehabilitation process. The initial and final functional assessment was conducted based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. The therapy aimed to enable social contacts by learning to communicate with the environment, taking advantage of learned motor skills and adapting the body to maintain a sitting position. The goals were implemented with gradual upright standing, electrostimulation of paralyzed muscles, orofacial therapy, methods of respiratory acceleration and the use of communication technologies. As a result of the physiotherapy, the patient can communicate with the environment more efficiently and showed a more assertive attitude towards the disease and greater motivation to exercise and socialize. This paper supports the importance of a rehabilitation program adapted to the needs of a patient with severe disabilities and encourages more studies in this area.