Training process of comprehensive rehabilitation focusing on dysphagia rehabilitation for a patient with severe bulbar paralysis and central hypoventilation after brainstem infarction

Abstract

Comprehensive rehabilitation was performed for the patient with unilateral cerebellum and lateral medullary infarction who had severe bulbar paralysis, ataxia, and central hypoventilation. We collaborated with the primary physician and the respiratory support team to wean the patient off mechanical ventilation and improve activities of daily living (ADL). Furthermore, we determined a nutrition program in cooperation with the nutrition support team and performed active dysphagia rehabilitation by evaluating a videofluorography. After hospitalization for approximately a year, the patient’s ADL improved, including oral intake, resulting in the patient being discharged to home. We inferred that comprehensive rehabilitation is effective for severe multiple disability cases such as mechanical ventilation and has a positive effect on the functional prognosis of patients.