# Physiotherapy Strategies for Redefining Recovery in a Patient With Grade II Ependymoma: A Case Report

## TL;DR

This case report describes the physiotherapy rehabilitation of a 40-year-old man with grade II ependymoma to improve his functional independence and quality of life.

## Contribution

The paper presents a tailored physiotherapy approach for a grade II ependymoma patient, focusing on functional recovery and prevention of complications.

## Key findings

- The patient showed progress in functional recovery through six weeks of physiotherapy.
- Outcome measures like ASIA Impairment Scale and WHOQOL indicated improvements in the patient's condition.
- Physiotherapy helped prevent complications such as joint contractures and bed sores.

## Abstract

Neuroepithelial tumors known as ependymomas can develop from cortical rests, the central canal of the spinal cord, or the ependymal cells of the cerebral ventricles. Ependymomas may arise anywhere along the neuraxis. Here, we present a 40-year-old male, a known case of grade II ependymomas, with a chief complaint of bilateral lower limb weakness and loss of sensation in the bilateral lower limb for 20 days. He started facing difficulties in performing activities such as walking, toileting activities, and squatting activities. The physiotherapy (PT) rehabilitation of the patient was tailored to achieve functional independence of the patient. The treatment session lasted for six weeks. Several outcome indicators were employed to evaluate our patient's progress toward functional recovery. Outcomes are measured using the Tone Grading Scale (TGS), the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale, the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL), manual muscle test, and the Barthel Index. Outcome measures were assessed on day one of treatment and the last day of the PT treatment. The patient's preliminary involvement in PT supported him to prevent serious complications like joint contractures and bed sores. Physical therapy is one of the most important parts of the rehabilitation practice for spinal cord injury (SCI) patients.