The Utility of Neuromotor Retraining to Augment Manual Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation in a Patient with Post-Concussion Syndrome: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Less than half of patients discharged from the emergency department post-concussion receive patient education or follow-up care, and 10-20% of individuals will develop symptoms that last longer than six months. Current research on interventions for post-concussion syndrome (PCS) shows inconsistent results, and recommendations for effective physical therapy treatment for patients with chronic PCS are lacking. The purpose of this case report is to highlight a successful, multi-system approach to physical therapy examination and treatment of a patient with chronic PCS.

CASE DESCRIPTION

This case describes a 21-year-old male who sustained a concussion 356 days prior to evaluation. He received no follow-up treatment and reported periods of worsening symptoms since the injury. Impairments in cervical range of motion and accessory mobility, vestibular and vestibulo-ocular function, and postural stability were identified. Both cognitive and emotional symptoms were also present. The patient attended eight, sixty-minute sessions over a five-week period in an outpatient setting. Comprehensive physical therapy interventions included manual therapy, vestibular rehabilitation, and neuromotor retraining aimed at restoring proper sensory integration and midline postural orientation.

OUTCOMES

Outcomes included cervical spine goniometric measurements and accessory mobility assessments. Objective measures of postural stability included the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction in Balance (m-CTSIB) and the Fukuda Step Test. The Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ) was used to subjectively assess symptom severity. At discharge, goniometric measurements returned to within normal limits except left cervical rotation active range of motion (ROM), and both the m-CTSIB and Fukuda Step Test were within normal ranges. The RPQ score reduced from 20 to 2 demonstrating symptom resolution in all items but "headache."

DISCUSSION

PCS can affect multiple systems, necessitating a comprehensive approach to examination and intervention. Manual therapy was used to restore cervical spine ROM, vestibular rehabilitation was utilized to improve gaze stability and visual motion sensitivity, and neuromotor retraining was implemented to improve postural stability and sensory integration. Physical therapists have the ability to treat multiple systems impacted with PCS, with the potential to reduce the longevity and severity of impairments for patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V.