NBTS Headquarters Blog
Question:
Can rehabilitation make a difference?
Answer:
Having a brain tumor often brings on neurological problems. Weakness on one side of the body, visual changes, hearing or even visual-spatial disorientation makes the activities of daily living really hard. While the neurological issues can’t be removed completely, rehabilitation helps a person live as optimally as possible. Rehabilitation is the science and art of moving someone to his/her fullest potential after a disability. Every person has unique needs, so an individual assessment is taken, then a plan is made tapered for the specific needs and realistic outcomes are developed with the survivor and therapist. The therapists involved are the physical therapist, occupational therapist and neuropsychologist.
A physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor may also be part of the team. If disabilities occur after surgery, rehabilitation may be initiated for a few weeks to regain function and strength before moving on to further treatments. One study (Mukand et al., 2001) showed a significant increase in functional ability in a group of brain tumor survivors who were admitted to inpatient rehabilitation after surgery. Greenberg et al (2006) also showed major increases in functional ability after rehabilitation.
Functional abilities may change over time. Sometimes a person is worse at the beginning and better later. On the other hand, a person may become more disabled. Rehabilitation can be started anytime. If a new weakness arises a physical or occupational therapist may visit the home to evaluate the problem and work with the survivor and caregiver to provide the most independence and optimal care. One ten year brain tumor survivor in my support group has muscle weakness and difficulty walking. A physical therapist friend has committed to come to her house every week. The survivor’s walking is slowing improving and she is becoming more independent.
Rehabilitation can make a big difference in order to live optimally.
Mary Lovely, PhD, RN
Medical Information Specialist/Associate Director of Research
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Posted by: Violet Tigress on May 28, 2010 6:16PM UEDT
A ten year brain tumor survivor got a physical therapist to come to her house every week? How did she manage that?
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Posted by: Violet Tigress on June 3, 2010 2:25AM UEDT
Ah, that makes sense.
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