Physical Therapy Treatment of a Stroke due to Drug Use: a Case Report
Document Type
Poster
Start Date
28-4-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
28-4-2026 2:00 PM
Description
Background/Purpose A stroke is a neurological insult of vascular origin that occurs to the brain, manifesting in deficits lasting for more than 24 hours. Strokes can be caused by various comorbid factors, one of which is illicit drug use. The occurrence of both strokes and drug use is increasing worldwide, creating a need for further study of the physical rehabilitation of patients who have suffered from drug-related strokes, which this case report seeks to explore.
Case Description This case report is about a 37-year old female who suffered from a thalamic hematoma and cerebellar hemorrhage following polysubstance abuse of amphetamines and cannabis. On initial evaluation, she demonstrated deficits in cognition, coordination, and right-sided strength, requiring partial-moderate assistance to perform bed mobility activities, total assistance to perform all transfer tasks, and no indication of ever being a functional ambulator. The interventions were primarily task-based and prescribed in a blocked, distributed practice format with focuses on transfer, balance, functional strengthening, and ambulation training.
Outcomes The patient improved immensely as measured by the Quality Indicator score. Upon discharge, she was independent in all bed mobility and wheelchair propulsion activities and required supervision assistance to transfer, ambulate with a rolling walker, and negotiate stairs.
Discussion Although the patient's rehabilitation was successful in increasing her functional independence, the majority of available literature focuses on the rehabilitation of chronic stroke patients; therefore, further research should determine the most effective means by which to treat drug users who have suffered from acute strokes, particularly given the global rise of said population.
Recommended Citation
Cresson, Elise, "Physical Therapy Treatment of a Stroke due to Drug Use: a Case Report" (2026). School of Allied Health Professions Research Day. 20.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/ahrd/2026/posters/20
Physical Therapy Treatment of a Stroke due to Drug Use: a Case Report
Background/Purpose A stroke is a neurological insult of vascular origin that occurs to the brain, manifesting in deficits lasting for more than 24 hours. Strokes can be caused by various comorbid factors, one of which is illicit drug use. The occurrence of both strokes and drug use is increasing worldwide, creating a need for further study of the physical rehabilitation of patients who have suffered from drug-related strokes, which this case report seeks to explore.
Case Description This case report is about a 37-year old female who suffered from a thalamic hematoma and cerebellar hemorrhage following polysubstance abuse of amphetamines and cannabis. On initial evaluation, she demonstrated deficits in cognition, coordination, and right-sided strength, requiring partial-moderate assistance to perform bed mobility activities, total assistance to perform all transfer tasks, and no indication of ever being a functional ambulator. The interventions were primarily task-based and prescribed in a blocked, distributed practice format with focuses on transfer, balance, functional strengthening, and ambulation training.
Outcomes The patient improved immensely as measured by the Quality Indicator score. Upon discharge, she was independent in all bed mobility and wheelchair propulsion activities and required supervision assistance to transfer, ambulate with a rolling walker, and negotiate stairs.
Discussion Although the patient's rehabilitation was successful in increasing her functional independence, the majority of available literature focuses on the rehabilitation of chronic stroke patients; therefore, further research should determine the most effective means by which to treat drug users who have suffered from acute strokes, particularly given the global rise of said population.