A Tailored Physiotherapy Program in a Rare Case of Bilateral Territorial Cerebral Artery Infarction With Systemic Lupus Nephritis: A Case Report

TL;DR

This case report describes a customized physiotherapy program for a rare condition involving stroke and lupus, showing how tailored treatment can improve recovery and quality of life.

Contribution

Highlights the effectiveness of individualized physiotherapy in a rare combination of bilateral cerebral infarction and systemic lupus nephritis.

Findings

A tailored physiotherapy program improved mobility and reduced fatigue in a patient with rare neurological and autoimmune conditions.

Multimodal stimulation and adaptive techniques enhanced functional recovery and quality of life in a complex case.

The case underscores the importance of individualized rehabilitation strategies for managing rare and overlapping medical conditions.

Abstract

A stroke is a medical emergency that requires rapid treatment. Early intervention can help prevent brain damage and other negative consequences. An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks or narrows a blood artery leading to the brain. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by systemic inflammation, autoantibodies, and a relapsing-remitting illness. Patients with SLE have an increased cumulative risk of cardiovascular events, including stroke, especially in the first five years after diagnosis. This case study presents the comprehensive physical therapy treatment of a 52-year-old woman diagnosed with systemic lupus nephritis and bilateral area infarct, an unusual combination. This condition resulted in issues such as decreased mobility, muscle weakness, and cognitive impairments. The specialized physiotherapy program employed a diverse strategy to address neurological weaknesses with multimodal stimulation, range of motion exercises, strength training, balance training, and more. The approach also includes energy-saving techniques and adaptive ways to manage symptoms associated with lupus nephritis to address fatigue and joint stiffness. The positive outcomes highlight the importance of tailored physical therapy regimens in maximizing functional recovery and improving the quality of life in the challenging context of concurrent bilateral infarct and systemic lupus nephritis. This case study emphasizes the need for individualized rehabilitation strategies in enhancing overall patient outcomes, contributing valuable insights to the sparse literature on managing such complex cases.

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