Traumatic Brain Injury - Case Study Part 2

Presenting Condition[edit | edit source]

For background information go to

Traumatic Brain Injury - Case Study Part 1

Initial Physiotherapy Assessment in the ICU[edit | edit source]

GCS             6 (Eyes 1 Voice 2 Motor 3)

Pupils             Right 6+, Left 5+

BP                    116/84 Supine

Pulse                 114 bpm 

1st Column Heading 2nd Column Heading 3rd Column Heading 4th Column Heading
1st column 2nd row 2nd column 2nd row 3rd column 2nd row 4th column 2nd row
1st column 3rd row 2nd column 3rd row 3rd column 3rd row 4th column 3rd row
1st column 4th row 2nd column 4th row 3rd column 4th row 4th column 4th row


O2 Saturation   94% on 30% O2

Upper Limb Lower Limb
Left Right Left Right
Tone Decreased N Decreased N
Power Unable to participate in manual muscle testing - spontaneous movements are uncoordinated.
Sensation Unable to participate in formal testing, does react to some tactile stimulation.
Co-ord Unable to Assess

Spontaneous Movements Impaired

Proprioception Unable to Assess
Reflexes Decreased N Decreased (Plantar - Upgoing) N (Plantar  - Downgoing)
ROM Active - No Response to Cues, Spontaneous Movements observed 

Passive Within Normal Limits

Behaviour Restless ++

Assessment at 2/12 Post Injury[edit | edit source]

Tracheostomy Removed, Self ventilating on room air. 

PEG remains in situ for feeding.

Can attend Gym for Rehabilitation

Currently using wheelchair for mobility

GCS 10 (E4 V2 M4) Not following commands, No speech but occasional physical aggressive outburst

Mask like expression of face, wide open eyes and constantly raised eyebrows giving an alarmed or surprised impression, consistent with abnormal tone and sensation

Poor eye contact

Flexed posture with poor trunk and head control

Repetitive non purposive movements of RLL 

Subluxation of  Left GHJ (Two Fingers Breadth)

Upper LImbs Lower Limbs
Left Right Left Right
Tone  N N
Power 0/5 4/5 0/5 Ankle

1/5 Hip

1/5 Knee

(Not to Command)

4/5
Sensation Unable to Assess
Coordination Unable to Assess - During Spontaneous Movements Cordination Impaired
Proprioception Unable to Assess
Reflexes ¯ ¯
ROM 

Muscle Length

Glenohumeral Joint (GHJ);

External Rotation 45°

Internal Rotation 40°

Flexion 90°

Abduction 60°

*Painful Grimace at End of Range GHJ Movement

Elbow Full Range of Movement

Wrist Full Range of Movement

Full Range of Movement All Joints Hip Full

Knee Full

Decreased Achilles Length

  • DorsiFlexion with Knee Ext. -10°
Hip Full

Knee Full

Decreased Achilles Length

  • DorsiFlexion with Knee Ext. -5°

Function

Staticic Dynamic
Sitting Balance Assist x 2 Unable - Tends to Extend
Standing Balance Max Assist x 2 Unable - Tends to Extend
Bed Mobility Assist x 2
Lie to Sit Assist x 2
Sit to Stand Max Assist x 2 - Tends to Extend
Gait Unable to Initiate 
Wheelchair Dependant - Currently in Tilt in Space
ADLs Dependent for All

Considering what we now know, outline the key impairments and activity limitations for James. What outcome measures might you use with James and why? Have a conversation with your colleagues, please share your knowledge with others and answer their questions where you can. Go to Discussion.