Rehabilitation for balance and ambulation in a patient with attention impairment due to intracranial hemorrhage

Abstract

Background and Purpose. The purpose of this case report is to describe physical therapy to improve the balance and ambulation of a 16-year-old patient with attention impairment following intracranial hemorrhage. Case Description. The patient initially had frequent losses of balance, especially in distracting environments, due in part to decreased attention. He was managed with a balance and ambulation training program that incorporated the principles of cognitive rehabilitation for attention impairments. Outcomes. Following 11 weeks of outpatient therapy, the patient returned to independent ambulation at school without losses of balance. Discussion. Research is needed to determine the interaction between balance and attention in patients with brain injury and effective treatment for patients with decreased balance related to attention impairments.