Role of Medical Rehabilitation in Cauda Equina Syndrome with Flaccid Paraparesis after Spinal Meningitis - A Case Report

Abstract

Patient L.I., aged 47 years, with multiple hospitalizations in November 2013 for multiple neurological and infectious diseases. In October 2011, surgery was performed for vicious posttraumatic right acetabular callus, confirmed by computed tomography. Subsequently, in November 2013, the patient had lumbar pain radiating to the lower limbs, functional impotence, sphincter incontinence, septic state with positive hemocultures for Staphylococcus aureus, with multiple paravertebral abscesses involving the left iliopsoas muscle, confirmed by contrast magnetic resonance imaging of the dorsolumbar spine, operated phlegmon of the left leg, which were interpreted as diffuse secondary spinal meningitis, complicated by a cauda equina syndrome, for which adequate antibiotic treatment was administered at the Clinic of Infectious Diseases Cluj-Napoca. The patient also presented two episodes of Clostridium difficile acute enterocolitis, with two fecal transplant sessions. In May 2014, the patient was admitted to the Rehabilitation Hospital Cluj-Napoca for motor deficit of the lower limbs, walking disorders, micturition disorders, sexual dynamic disorders, pain in the lumbar spine radiating to the lower limbs, sudden onset sensitivity disorders at D10 level in a febrile context in November 2013, interpreted based on lumbar MRI as spinal meningitis secondary to dorsal and lumbar paravertebral abscesses. During the course of hospitalization, the patient received a complex medical rehabilitation treatment consisting of kinetotherapy (posturations, passive mobilizations, active mobilizations, transfers, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques, walking rehabilitation, respiratory gymnastics, rehabilitation of sensitivity disorders), occupational therapy, massage, medium frequency currents for the rehabilitation of micturition disorders, with good results particularly in walking and urinary incontinence rehabilitation. The aim of the presentation of this case is to emphasize the fact that rehabilitation programs using physicalkinetic therapeutic methods are the only way to limit functional deficit, playing an important role in the long-term management and care of the patient. The particularity of this case consists of the fact that the patient is young, without a known personal pathological history, and symptoms occurred two years after orthopedic surgery, with sudden motor deficit in the lower limbs. The regular follow-up of the patient and his inclusion in complex medical rehabilitation programs in order to limit the functional deficit, increase the autonomy and improve the quality of life of this patient are important.