Subdural Hematoma Physical Therapy Rehabilitation in Multidisciplinary Inpatient Setting
Document Type
Poster
Start Date
28-4-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
28-4-2026 2:00 PM
Description
Introduction Acute subdural hematoma is an often-deadly traumatic brain injury. Survivors often experience significant cognitive and functional impairments, and rehabilitation may be complicated by medical comorbidities such as urinary tract infect ions (UTIs) that can cause acute cognitive and functional decline.
Purpose To describe the physical therapy management and functional outcomes of an older adult with an acute subdural hematoma whose rehabilitation course was complicated by a UTI.
Methods This case report describes a 75-year-old male admitted to inpatient rehabilitation following a ground-level fall resulting in an acute right subdural hematoma that was surgically treated with a craniotomy. One day after evaluation, the patien t developed an acute UTI, leading to marked cognitive and functional decline and requiring temporary modification of the rehabilitation plan. Physical therapy initially focused on functional mobility and balance training to prevent further decline during the acute phase UTI. Following resolution of the UTI, treatment progressed to include principles of high-intensity gait training, progressive functional strengthening, and task-based training. Therapy was provided five times per week over a three-week inp atient rehabilitation stay, with outcomes measured using standardized quality indicators. Results By discharge, the patient improved from requiring maximal assistance to independence or supervision for bed mobility, transfers, ambulation, and stair negotiation. All rehabilitation goals were achieved, and the patient was discharged home with continued therapy services.
Discussion This case highlights the importance of adaptable, task-oriented physical therapy intervention in patients with acute subdural hematoma, especially when medical complications temporarily exacerbate cognitive and functional
Recommended Citation
Thomas, Cooper, "Subdural Hematoma Physical Therapy Rehabilitation in Multidisciplinary Inpatient Setting" (2026). School of Allied Health Professions Research Day. 17.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/ahrd/2026/posters/17
Subdural Hematoma Physical Therapy Rehabilitation in Multidisciplinary Inpatient Setting
Introduction Acute subdural hematoma is an often-deadly traumatic brain injury. Survivors often experience significant cognitive and functional impairments, and rehabilitation may be complicated by medical comorbidities such as urinary tract infect ions (UTIs) that can cause acute cognitive and functional decline.
Purpose To describe the physical therapy management and functional outcomes of an older adult with an acute subdural hematoma whose rehabilitation course was complicated by a UTI.
Methods This case report describes a 75-year-old male admitted to inpatient rehabilitation following a ground-level fall resulting in an acute right subdural hematoma that was surgically treated with a craniotomy. One day after evaluation, the patien t developed an acute UTI, leading to marked cognitive and functional decline and requiring temporary modification of the rehabilitation plan. Physical therapy initially focused on functional mobility and balance training to prevent further decline during the acute phase UTI. Following resolution of the UTI, treatment progressed to include principles of high-intensity gait training, progressive functional strengthening, and task-based training. Therapy was provided five times per week over a three-week inp atient rehabilitation stay, with outcomes measured using standardized quality indicators. Results By discharge, the patient improved from requiring maximal assistance to independence or supervision for bed mobility, transfers, ambulation, and stair negotiation. All rehabilitation goals were achieved, and the patient was discharged home with continued therapy services.
Discussion This case highlights the importance of adaptable, task-oriented physical therapy intervention in patients with acute subdural hematoma, especially when medical complications temporarily exacerbate cognitive and functional