Physiotherapy Strategies for Redefining Recovery in a Patient With Grade II Ependymoma: A Case Report

Ependymomas are tumors that can occur in the brain or spinal cord. This case report describes the physiotherapy treatment of a 40-year-old man with a grade II ependymoma who experienced lower limb weakness and sensory loss. The patient's physiotherapy rehabilitation was designed to help him regain functional independence. The treatment focused on preventing complications, normalizing muscle tone, strengthening pelvic floor muscles, and improving balance. The patient showed improvement in motor and sensory function, quality of life, and independence with daily activities after seven weeks of physiotherapy. This case highlights the potential benefits of physiotherapy for patients with spinal cord compression due to ependymomas.

• 1
  The patient's motor score in the lower extremity improved from 0/50 to 20/50 on the ASIA Impairment Scale after physiotherapy rehabilitation.
• 2
  The patient's sensory score for light touch improved from 17/56 to 30/56, and for pinprick, it improved from 34/112 to 60/112 on the ASIA Impairment Scale.
• 3
  The patient's score on the WHOQOL improved from 40/100 to 60/100, and the Barthel Index improved from 20/100 to 40/100 after physiotherapy.