Neurophysiotherapy in Grade II Diffuse Astrocytoma: A Case Report

TL;DR

A 48-year-old woman with grade II diffuse astrocytoma showed improved strength and function after four weeks of post-surgery neurophysiotherapy.

Contribution

This case report highlights the effectiveness of neurophysiotherapy in improving functional outcomes after surgery for grade II diffuse astrocytoma.

Findings

The patient showed improved lower limb strength after four weeks of physiotherapy.

Muscular tone returned to normal following the rehabilitative protocol.

Functional independence and quality of life were enhanced through physiotherapy.

Abstract

Diffuse astrocytoma is a slow, progressive, and invasive tumor that develops from astrocytes and there is no discernible boundary between tumor and brain cells. We present a case of a 48-year-old woman with diffuse astrocytoma who experienced sudden left-sided weakness, multiple convulsive episodes, and vomiting. The patient underwent surgery for a left occipital mini craniotomy with complete tumor removal through a titanium burr hole. Postoperatively, the patient complained of bilateral upper and lower extremities weakness, and decreased muscular tone was found; hence, she was referred to undergo neurophysiotherapy. A four-week rehabilitative protocol was started. Physiotherapy is critical in these patients for ensuring early and rapid recovery and treating the condition's clinical manifestations. The outcome measures employed were the tone grading scale, the Brunnstrom recovery stage, and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). This case study concludes that physiotherapy rehabilitation for an operated case of grade 2 diffuse astrocytoma led to improved lower limb strength, normal tone, and improved functional independence, which helped the patient achieve better functional activities and a greater quality of life.

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