Physical Therapy Combined with Corticosteroid Intervention for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Central Nervous System Involvement: A Case Report

[Purpose] Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, immune-mediated disease, affecting 0.1% of the general population. To date, few studies have investigated the efficacy of physical therapy for SLE patients with CNS involvement. The aim of this study was to report whether the combined use of corticosteroids and physical therapy, consisting of reflex inhibition and functional training, was beneficial to functional recovery. [Subjects and Methods] A 22-year-old male SLE patient with CNS involvement requested physical therapy due to strong spasticity of the trunk and limbs in a bedridden state. Corticosteroid intervention and physical therapy were undertaken for 16 days. [Result] After 16 days of the interventions, the patient demonstrated stabilized and alleviated neurological symptoms and an improved functional level. [Conclusion] The present case indicates that physical therapy combined with corticosteroids might be a possible treatment and rehabilitation method to effectively recover motor function for SLE patients who have strong spasticity due to CNS involvement.