Critical illness polyneuromyopathy after cardiac surgery is often unrecognized and is a rarely reported clinical condition. It is characterized by more proximal than distal symmetrical flaccid muscle weakness and difficulty in weaning from a respirator. When done in a timely manner, rehabilitation prevents early complications and reduces the length of hospitalization. Rehabilitation leads to better motor outcome, improves short-term and long-term functionality, and results in a better quality of life.
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