Complex Sensitive-Motor Rehabilitation in a Patient with Acute Ischemic Stroke During Active SARS-COV-2 Infection: Case Report

Abstract

Introduction. Stroke is one of the main reasons for acquired disability, and the past 2 years have demonstrated that COVID-19 is a major cause of thromboembolic accidents, which usually determine cardio-pulmonary infraction, as it has a higher incidence on larger blood vessels, but there are also numerous cases reported of stroke in patients after or, more rarely, during COVID-19 active infection. Material and Methods. We present the case of a 52 year old man diagnosed with stroke during hospitalisation for a moderate type of COVID-19(Coronavirus 2019), which after several days from admittance, was found with left hemiplegia in his chamber. A comprehensive sensitive-motor rehabilitation program has been established after two and a half months after discharge, as the deficit did not regress. Results and discussion. The evolution of the patient was favorable, with an improvement of the symptoms after treatment, especially the pain syndrome, but also on improved muscle tonus and slight muscle strength increase and improved disability scores The patient rehabilitation should continue for a longer period of time, as new cerebral pathways take time to be established. Conclusions. In patients with stroke, independent of the mechanism of occurring, complex sensitive-motor rehabilitation should be started as soon as possible, in good condition, so that the benefits outbalance the risks. Extra precautions should be taken in regards to patients with COVID-19 related stroke, as they are more inclined to have a thrombotic related development, even after fully medically recovering from the disease.