Case Report: Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation in the Chronic Spinal Cord Injury Patient

Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences, 2022 · DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2022.779846 · Published: April 6, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Neurorehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Traumatic spinal cord injuries can result in severe and irreversible dysfunction. Current research aims to reverse these effects and improve functionality. Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation (GVS) has shown promise in improving spinal cord function for evaluation and stimulation. This study investigates the impact of Noise Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation on postural and trunk control in a patient with chronic spinal cord injury and tetraplegia. The study uses Functional Independence Measure (FIM), the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) evaluation, and Clinical Posturography. Ten sessions of Noise Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation, combined with tailored vestibular and neurofunctional rehabilitation, led to improvements in functional independence, motor and sensory levels, and postural balance. The patient's disability grade improved from complete to incomplete.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

One patient with chronic spinal cord injury with tetraplegia

Evidence Level

Level 4; Case Report

Key Findings

1
Increments were observed in all assessments and tests, indicating improvements in functional independence, motor and sensory levels.
2
The patient's disability grade changed from A (complete) to C (incomplete) following the intervention.
3
Improvements in postural balance and trunk control were noted after the intervention.

Research Summary

This case report explores the effects of Noise Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation (GVS) combined with customized rehabilitation on a patient with chronic spinal cord injury and tetraplegia. The patient underwent ten sessions of GVS alongside vestibular and neurofunctional physical therapy. Assessments included the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) evaluation, and Clinical Posturography. The study found improvements in functional independence, sensory-motor levels, disability grade, and postural control. These findings suggest potential benefits of GVS in spinal cord injury rehabilitation, warranting further investigation with larger populations.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategy

GVS combined with vestibular rehabilitation and neurofunctional physical therapy can be a potential rehabilitation strategy for improving trunk and postural control in SCI patients.

Improved Functionality

The improvement in disability grade suggests a potential for improved functional outcomes and quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Personalized Therapy

Therapeutic proof can identify parameters for individualized GVS therapy, to optimize patient-specific postural function.

Study Limitations

1
Single clinical case report limits analysis and strength of quantitative data.
2
Clinical assessment of muscle tone, muscular spasms and hypertonia have only prior initial parameters.
3
Posturographic assessment in the sitting posture seems to be poorly described in the literature.

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