Physiotherapy Rehabilitation as an Adjunct to Functional Independence in Diffuse Axonal Injury: A Case Report

Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is a condition that involves damage to axons at a microscopic level. The most common mechanism involves sudden accelerating/decelerating motion that leads to shearing forces in the white matter tract of the brain. The gross damage to axons in the brain occurs at the junction of gray and white matter. Clinical management is a framework for increasing organizational capacity, assimilating evidence-based best practices, and improving the quality of outcomes in physical therapy. A 17-year-old male reported to the hospital with a history of head injury after a fall from a bike. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed the possibility of grade II diffuse axonal injury. Since physiotherapy is used to gain maximum functional independence, the treatment’s consistency becomes the most crucial component. The physiotherapy management was provided with various integrative approaches such as passive stretching, task-oriented approaches, and bowel-bladder retraining exercises. Outcome measures such as Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Tardieu Scale, Rancho Los Amigos Scale (RLAS), and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) were used to assess the progress of the patient. Hence, we conclude that consistency in performing physiotherapy exercises aids in achieving maximum functional independence and further aids in improving the quality of life of patients.