Cerebral Palsy- Young Adult Case Study

Abstract:

This is a fictional case study involving a young adult living with Cerebral Palsy (CP). For the purposes of this case study, we have outlined a presentation of a young adult living with mild CP, who has mild presentation of musculoskeletal and neurological symptoms. For this case we have added a mental health disorder to outline the increased challenges of living with CP as a young adult. Nathanial is 24 years old, has a dx of CP, hip pain, foot drop and cognitive additions. Our interventions include musculoskeletal interventions for his pain and function, as well as referrals, education and self management strategies. Our hope for this case study is to bring more awareness surrounding the interventions, and minimal evidence involving patients who are young adults living with CP. Our outcomes, objective, subjectives are all fictional and are based off of an idea of where we would want this patient to progress to.

Introduction:

This case study involves Nathanial, an adult male living with Cerebral Palsy (CP). He is an active, 24 year old male who presents to physiotherapy with hip pain. Nathaniel was diagnosed with CP when he was 5 years old and has experienced intermittent hip pain since his teenage years. He has recently had worsening hip pain for about 6 weeks which is interfering with some of his regular activities including work and volunteering.

CP is an umbrella term for non-progressive motor impairment disorders (Jeglinsky, 2010). The incidence of CP is about 2 in 1000 (Morgan, 2014).  It occurs during development due to brain damage which leads to physical and cognitive impairments (Jeglinsky, 2010). CP is typically diagnosed in early childhood based on observation of motor milestones around the age of 2 (O’Shea, 2008). It’s severity is classified using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) (cerebral palsy alliance).

Adults with CP may experience premature aging between 20-40 years of age resulting from the increased energy cost and strain placed on their bodies during tasks of daily life (cerebral palsy guide -- website). Other complications may involve walking or swallowing disorders, and mental health conditions (cerebral palsy guide -- website). Post-impairment syndrome is common in adults with CP. This is often difficult to diagnose as its symptoms mimic other conditions related to CP including fatigue, weakness, and repetitive strain injuries (cerebral palsy guide -- website). Musculoskeletal impairments are very common in young adults with CP, with hip pain being the most frequently reported (Wawrzuta, 2016). Hip pain may be a result of poor hip morphology at skeletal maturity (Wawrzuta, 2016). Musculoskeletal impairments and pain may present secondary to changes in gait (Morgan, 2014). Many adults with CP experience a decline in walking ability and function despite that 70-80% walk independently or with gait aids. Maintenance of walking ability is important for independence, quality of life and participation in social activities (Morgan, 2014).

The purpose of this case presentation is to address the management of hip pain in adults with CP in an outpatient setting. We will discuss an example of clinical presentation, assessment, and treatment of hip pain in CP. This may be useful for student physiotherapists to increase awareness of the impairments associated with CP in adults and to recognize the importance of gait and mobility training with future patients. CP does not worsen with age, therefore this case study focuses on maintenance of function and addresses the specific mobility impairments causing hip pain. Adults with CP may present with other cognitive and physical impairments not mentioned in this case study.

Client Characteristics:

Patient is a 24 y/o male with a diagnosis of CP.  He was diagnosed at the age of 5, at Level 1 of the GMFCS score. He has no surgical history, but has a medical history of depression (3 years) as well as a family history of cancer (immediate family).  Patient is seeking physiotherapy care in regards to his L hip pain that has increased in the last 6 weeks. He reports intermittent hip pain since early teenage years, and has recently noted an odd sensation in his R foot. Patient also reports increased fatigue at work. The patient is an accountant at BDO Kingston. He lives in a 1 bedroom apartment, has 2 supportive parents, 1 sibling and good social support from friends in Kingston. As a former highschool athlete (hockey, baseball) he now volunteers his time coaching little league baseball with a friend. He is a single man with no children.

Examination Findings:

Subjective:

Hx:

-Increased pain in L hip (No known MOI, onset 6 weeks ago)

-No prior hip dislocations/subluxations (B)

Current Sx/ Status:

-Hip pain 5/10 at rest, 7/10 with stairs and after long periods of walking

-Feels fatigued at the end of his work day (feels as though it is not normal for the amount of fatigue he experiences with just sitting)-patient reports he feels the need to lay down to take the load off

-R foot “feels different” and has been experiencing this over the course of several months

-pt reports he has no ability to lift his right toes when walking and notices a thud of his foot when he goes to take a step on the Right side (says he has always had difficulty with this but is noticing much more than usual)

Medications:

Paroxetine (25mg orally once a day)

Social Hx:

-Supportive family (2 parents and younger brother live in Brockville- able to visit and help out if needed)

-Many friends in Kingston who he can rely on (very supportive and active)

-Work: accountant at BDO- sits at desk

-Leisure: Helps coach a little league baseball team with a close friend in the kingston community

-In the winter plays occasional shinny with friends (dependant on work schedule and mood)

- Has a gym membership to Goodlife (pt reports he does not go as much as he used to due to pain in hip and increased fatigue at the end of a work day)

Home/ Work:

Apartment= 8th floor (building has stairs and elevator)

Work= one step to get into front door (no difficulty with this)

Work= Office chair with a supportive back (adjustable with pump handle underneath -to raise and lower the seat)

Functional Status (Current/ Previous):

-Previous =less fatigue with prolonged sitting at work

-Current= has the urge to lay down at work because his lower body “falls asleep after 1 hour of work without moving”

-Feels fatigue at the top of 2nd flight of stairs at his apartment

-Feels safe when walking, doesn’t report any issues with balance or falls. Reports he’s noticed a change in how he walks since the pain has increased.

Other:

Smoking→ no

Alcohol→ Socially with friends (on average 2-5 beers per week)

Drugs→ none

Sleep/ Stress:

Stressed with deadlines at work. Sometimes has trouble staying asleep at night but he is unsure if this is due to his inability to manage stress or if something else is keeping him from getting a restful sleep

-Nutrition is “good” → 4x water bottles a day on average, eats a balanced diet

-Overall mental health → Hx of depression, currently is medicated and says he is managing well -mentions that work is getting quite busy and he devotes a lot of energy to his job. He is worried about how his mood will be affected if his hip pain worsens in the next few weeks.

Objective:

Observation:

-Decreased tone on left side of body (L glutes/ QL)

-Decreased tone in R anterior calf

-No visible deformities

-Tendency to weight bear slightly more on L leg

-Altered gait upon arrival to clinic (trendelenburg gait with slapping of R foot through his step)

Vitals:

HR: 60 bpm

BP: 120/80 mmHg

RR: 12 Breaths /min

AROM:

B Hip Ext =limited (L by 8 degrees, R by 10 degrees)

B hip flexion= WNL

B hip adduction= WNL

B hip abduction= WNL

B knee flexion= WNL

B knee extension= WNL

B ankle DF= R limited (0 degrees R, L 20 degrees)

B ankle PF= WNL

B ankle inversion= WNL

B ankle Eversion= R 5 degrees, L 15 degrees

B MTP flexion/ extension= WNL

PROM:

Done at second appointment due to ^ risk of fatigue in CP patients. Noticed increased tone with movements surrounding hip flexors, resulting in a hip extension limitation with early soft tissue end feel. Ankle DF limited by activation- PROM WNL.

MMT:

	L	R
Glute Med/Min (Hip ABD)	3	4+
Hip Flexion	4	3+
Knee Ext (quads)	4	4
Knee Flex (Hamstrings)	4	4
Ankle Dorsiflexion	4	2+

Did not perform extra MMT due to ^ fatigue in CP patients.

Sensory Testing:

L Dermatomes (superficial)= intact

R Dermatomes (superficial)→ not in tact

Somatosensory (cortical and proprioception) - intact on L

R- (Unable to feel crude/ temperature touch on medial calf L4 dermatome distribution)--due to this did not proceed to cortical sensory testing or proprioception testing on this sid

Gait analysis:

R side at each stage of gait Gait

Initial Contact	No R heel contact, R forefoot “slap”.
Loading response	Weight shift over L foot
Mid stance	No noticeable findings
Terminal Stance	R hip drop,
Pre swing	Weight shifts L hip
Initial swing	R hip hike
Mid swing	R Hip circumduction
Terminal swing	No R foot clearance

Overall Impression of Gait: Able to ambulate safely with minimal balance impairments although his R hip is circumducting and his dorsiflexion is extremely limited in his R foot during gait

Outcome measures:

VAS for hip pain (5/10 at rest, 7/10 with activities ie. stair climbing) (Link physiopedia)

GMFM (Gross motor function measure)- some items not appropriate as relevant for adult use (ie. laying and rolling) so we decided not to use this outcome measure but we will keep in mind the classification from the GMFCS to guide Rx along with pt goals ((https://www.physio-pedia.com/Cerebral_Palsy_Outcome_Measures )

PHQ-9: Score= 5 (mild depression)

https://www.pcpcc.org/sites/default/files/resources/instructions.pdf

Fatigue severity scale→ 6.5 (This is average for individuals with a neurological disorder)

http://www.best.ugent.be/BEST3_FR/download/moeheid_schalen/FSSschaal_ENG.pdf

Balance→ Community Balance Scale (Basic/higher level functional mobility) 79/83

https://www.physio-pedia.com/Community_Balance_and_Mobility_Scale

→ TUG : 10.8 sec (no fall risk) https://www.physio-pedia.com/Timed_Up_and_G

Special tests:

FABER (-) FADDIR (-) Hip scouring (-)

Second appointment: Thomas (-) Thompson (-)

Clinical Impression:

Nathanial is a 24 year old male presenting with left side hip pain due to right side circumduction during gait and foot drop on the same side. Pt has pre-diagnosed CP and presents with motor/sensory impairments. Patient is experiencing increased fatigue which is limiting participation in work and leisure activities. (ICF link) Severity is classified as Level 1 on the GMFCS.

Problem List:

• Reduced dorsiflexion and eversion on right side
• Foot drop (R)
• Sensory deficits in R foot (L4/L5 nerve root distribution)
• Left sided glute weakness
• Decreased strength tibialis anterior on R side
• Decreased hip extension bilaterally
• Tension in hip flexors bilaterally
• Trendelenburg gait (L)
• Minimal balance deficits
• Difficulty and increase in pain with stair climbing
• Fear of pain related mental health flare up

Intervention:

STG:

1. Decrease VAS to 2/10 at rest within 2-4 weeks by implementing change to # of breaks per day at work and incorporate stretching daily to relieve pain related to tension in R hip flexors
2. Improve L side glute strength to ⅘ in 4-5 weeks.
3. Nathanial will implement a tracking system to ensure hourly breaks are taken during his workday. By 2 weeks, hourly break will be taken 100% of the time.

LTG:

1. Improve ankle dorsiflexion strength to 4+/5 by 8 weeks.
2. Within 8 weeks, be 100% consistent with breaks at work each hour and will now implement stand and stretch for 5 mins (coordinated with supervisor and colleagues) in order to decrease myofascial pain throughout the day (maintain VAS score of 2/10 or less for R sided hip pain in seated position)
3. By 9 months, Nathaniel will decrease PHQ-9 score by 1-2 points.
4. Improve Fatigue Severity Score from 6.5 to 4 or lower by 2 months

Rx:

Education:

According to a Cochrane review of exercise interventions for individuals with CP, there is no correlation between improvements in fitness and improvements in activity/participation. (Ryan et al, 2017). This suggests that we would also have to assess the environment of the patient to determine what implementations we can make in his home or give him assistive devices when he is experiencing exacerbations of pain in his hip. For example, education regarding taking the elevator if experiencing fatigue with the steps leading into his apartment. We will also provide education about taking breaks throughout the work day.

Patient educated about post-impairment syndrome and premature aging in adults with CP. Given strategies and ideas on ways to manage fatigue resulting from these conditions:

• Educate Nathaniel on the importance of regular breaks within the work day in order to change positions to minimize possibility for increased tone or contracture in habitually shortened muscles (especially for CP patients) (Mathewson, 2015).
• Education of the importance of a standing desk or a raised seat to minimize the flexed position of his hips throughout the day. (discussed application to ODSP for this)
• Educate Nathaniel on options to ensure patient safety when he is feeling high levels of fatigue (ie. taking the elevator at his apartment, continuing with exercise but decreasing the intensity (sets/reps) for days when he may not be able to perform ADLs if he were to push himself due to fatigue)

Stretching:

Work Break Stretches

To be performed each hour during work break:

Hip flexor stretch: 2x 30s hold, completed on each side

Lunge in standing: 2x 30s hold, completed on each side

March on spot: 10x 5s hold, completed on each side

Strengthening:

Research indicates that improving strength in adults with CP can illicit changes within the ICF including increases in self selected walking speed.

Banded monster walks: 2x 6 reps 2 times daily

Weighted step ups: 2x 6 reps 2 times daily

• Cueing for emphasis on glute utilization instead of knees

Resistance band exercise:

Banded dorsiflexion: 2x 10 reps 2 times per day

Resisted Eversion: 2 x 10 reps 2 times per day

Toe taps: 2x 10 reps 2 times a day

FES:

The current research favors FES over orthoses for individuals with mild CP experiencing foot drop (Van Der Linden, 2012). Using an AFO may lead to a decrease in function. The research is more thorough for FES intervention for children with mild CP (Van Der Linden, 2012). According to the literature, FES in children is used to improve dorsiflexion but there is no direct improvement in speed of gait or overall function of gait (Turgui, 2013).

We have decided to clear contraindications and precautions and proceed with this intervention and monitor progress. We will provide FES in combination with tibialis anterior strengthening exercises to assist with dorsiflexion during gait.

Parameters for FES:

Placed electrode cuff at tibialis anterior muscle belly

Amplitude=

Pulse Width= 250 microseconds (https://www.cyclonemobility.com/functional-electrical-stimulation-the-ultimate-guide-to-fes/)

Frequency = 50 Hz (between high and low frequency in order to remove low frequency drift and high frequency noise) (Chen et al, 2018).

Interval time= Hell off ground to onset of Tib Ant activation (Chen et al, 2018)

Based on patient fatigue levels, measure patient’s rate of perceived exertion throughout intervention and post intervention to ensure that patient is able to continue with ADLs post treatment (https://www.physio-pedia.com/Borg_Rating_Of_Perceived_Exertion). We can also decrease the pulse width if patient fatigue occurs

Gait:

Walk 3 sets of 2 laps in clinic (200m)

• cueing during swing phase to increase knee flexion and improve foot clearance
• cueing to decrease hip drop on L side during stance phase
• educated on use of audio feedback to minimize foot slap during gait

Referrals:

1. Submission of application to Ontario Disabilities Act for coverage of convertible standing desk at work
   1. Goal: implement within 6 weeks if possible
   2. Ontario Assistive Devices Program (ADP) to cover up to 75%, and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) to cover the remainder of costs
2. Referral to psychologist for self-management of depression.

If no reduction in pain by 12 weeks (both in seated and during activity), we can refer for imaging (CP patients can have body morphology which can impact levels of pain→ although this may not guide our treatment, it can help us to rule out morphology related pain compared to general MSK conditions as a result of decreased tone and increased weakness) (Wawrzuta, 2016)

HEP:

10 minute walk 4-5 times a week (weather dependent) focusing on R side knee flexion and L side hip position

• adjust length of walk as needed based on fatigue levels and pain

*Pt given tracking sheet to assist motivation in completing HEP

Will progress and/ or regress as necessary.

Outcome:

Following initial consult, we continued to see Nathaniel 2 x/ week for 8 weeks we saw an improvement in his DF, less foot drop and improved glute strength for MSK improvements. We also saw a decrease in hip pain at rest and during activity, as well as a decrease in his Fatigue Severity Scale. Nathaniel was able to help self manage his condition by standing at his desk throughout his work day to reduce tension and pain in his hips.  His discharge plan included a HEP, education and referrals to appropriate health care providers.

AROM:

-DF- 10 degrees R side.

MMT:

-Glutes: ⅘

-Tibialis Anterior: 4+/5

OM:

-Fatigue Severity Scale: 4

-VAS: 2/10 rest, 3/10 with stairs (Hip)

Referrals: OT for help with workplace and home. Psychologist for Cognitive involvement of CP.

Discussion:

Due to the non-progressive nature of cerebral palsy, there tends to be more research surrounding rehabilitation and function in the early years. The lifespan of those living with cerebral palsy is increasing, therefore more individuals with CP are living into adulthood (Haak, 2009). Although the condition is non-progressive, there are other complications that may arise in adulthood that would benefit from physical therapy. These include premature aging and post-impairment syndrome (cerebral palsy guide -- website). By increasing strength in muscles with decreased strength and tone, we can work to offset the effects of post impairment syndrome (Cerebral, 2020).

There is a gap in CP research regarding rehabilitation and exercise training for adults living with CP and little guidance regarding specific protocols for management of CP in adults (Jeglinsky, 2010). Previous studies have shown that incorporating exercise and gait training into rehabilitation can help to prevent chronic pain and physical deterioration in adults with cerebral palsy. In addition, exercise will increase independence and help to maintain activity and participation in these individuals (Jeglinsky, 2010; Booth, 2018).

The foot drop seen in this case is of interest as it did not have a clear mechanism. It presented later in Nathaniel’s life, therefore two possible mechanisms are post-impairment syndrome and peroneal nerve palsy. Although there is no way to clearly define the true cause, it is useful to discuss both scenarios. Post-impairment syndrome is common in CP and may lead to increased fatigue, atrophy of certain muscles, or repetitive strain injuries (cerebral palsy guide -- website). This could explain the decreased strength of tibialis anterior and foot drop. Peroneal nerve palsy is also a likely cause of foot drop as this peripheral nerve innervates tibialis anterior and peroneal muscles (Chad, 2016). This nerve could likely become entrapped due to compression over the fibular head from sitting with legs crossed at work (Chad, 2016). There is an interesting case study of an older adult male with severe depression who presented with bilateral foot drop (Shiwach, 2000). Despite this, however, there is little supporting evidence that this is due to depression or the sedentary lifestyle adopted secondary to depression. Regardless of the cause of foot drop, Nathaniel’s decreased tibialis anterior and peroneal muscle strength was addressed to improve his gait.

This case study is an example of adapting the available evidence to fit the needs of the individual patient. There may not be guidelines specifically for the treatment of adult cerebral palsy, however there is available research that can be applied to this case. To address this case, we completed a thorough assessment and designed a patient centered treatment plan for Nathaniel based on his presentation. In adulthood, our goal is to maintain function and to minimize the effects of premature aging and post-impairment syndrome (cerebral palsy guide -- website). In order to do so we focused our treatment on mobility and strengthening to decrease pain during gait and increase independence. We provided education surrounding fatigue management, strength exercises to target muscle weakness, stretches to decrease pain and improve mobility, as well as gait training focused on decreasing hip and foot drop. A referral to a psychologist was recommended for management of depression.

With the limited evidence available for management of adult CP, it is crucial to address each patient’s unique presentation and focus on their specific goals. Our aim is to maximize patients’ function and improve quality of life regardless of their diagnosis (Haak, 2009). In adults with CP it is important to recognize the increased fatigue that may result from complications of the disease. Each adult with CP will present with unique symptoms, goals, and needs. A thorough assessment with attention to your patient’s goals will lead you on the right track when managing adults with CP.