Rehabilitation of a patient with spinal cord decompression sickness: First case report from Saudi Arabia

Clin Case Rep, 2019 · DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.2453 · Published: August 5, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Trauma Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord decompression sickness (SCDCS) can cause lesions in the spinal cord due to bubbles in the blood vessels. This can lead to weakness, sensory problems, pain, and issues with bladder and bowel control. This case report describes the rehabilitation of a 40-year-old male diver who developed SCDCS and underwent a comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation program. The patient's rehabilitation focused on managing spasticity, improving strength and balance, regaining continence, and facilitating his return to work as a teacher.

Study Duration

7 weeks

Participants

One 40-year-old male recreational diver

Evidence Level

Level 4, Case Report

Key Findings

1
The patient achieved social continence with clean intermittent catheterization and a bowel program.
2
The patient improved his walking ability, using a hemiwalker indoors and a front wheel walker outdoors.
3
The patient was able to return to his job as a teacher after the rehabilitation program.

Research Summary

This case report highlights the rehabilitation of a patient with spinal cord decompression sickness (SCDCS) in Saudi Arabia. The patient underwent a comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation program that focused on improving mobility, continence, and functional independence. The successful outcome of this case emphasizes the importance of incorporating rehabilitation guidelines in the management of DCS.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Protocols

Highlights the need for developing specific rehabilitation protocols for patients with DCS.

Multicenter Studies

Emphasizes the importance of conducting multicenter studies to gather more data on SCDCS in Saudi Arabia.

Incorporating Rehabilitation Guidelines

Stresses the necessity of including rehabilitation guidelines in the overall management of DCS.

Study Limitations

1
Limited information regarding acute care treatment and neurological progress due to lack of access to medical records.
2
Delayed rehabilitation care may have affected functional recovery.
3
Generalizability limited by being a single case report.

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