Searching for just a few words should be enough to get started. If you need to make more complex queries, use the tips below to guide you.
Article type: Research Article
Authors: Gaber, Tarek A.-Z. K.; *
Affiliations: Rehabilitation Medicine, Leigh Infirmary, Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust, Lancs, UK
Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Tarek Gaber, Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine, Leigh Infirmary, Leigh, Lancs WN7 1HS, UK. Tel.: +44 1942 264515; Fax: +44 1942 264517; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Background:Cortical blindness is a rare complication of posterior circulation stroke. However, its complex presentation with sensory, physical, cognitive and behavioural impairments makes it one of the most challenging. Appropriate approach from a rehabilitation standpoint was never reported. Aim:Our study aims to discuss the rehabilitation methods and outcomes of a cohort of patients with cortical blindness. Method:The notes of all patients with cortical blindness referred to a local NHS rehabilitation service in the last 6 years were examined. Patients’ demographics, presenting symptoms, scan findings, rehabilitation programmes and outcomes were documented. Results:Seven patients presented to our service, six of them were males. The mean age was 63. Patients 1, 2 and 3 had total blindness with severe cognitive and behavioural impairments, wandering and akathisia. All of them failed to respond to any rehabilitation effort and the focus was on damage limitation. Pharmacological interventions had a modest impact on behaviour and sleep pattern. The 3 patients were discharged to a nursing facility.Patients 4, 5, 6 and 7 had partial blindness with variable severity. All of them suffered from significant memory impairment. However, none suffered from any behavioural, physical or other cognitive impairment. Rehabilitation efforts on 3 patients were carried out collaboratively between brain injury occupational therapists and sensory disability officers. All patients experienced significant improvement in handicap and they all maintained community placements. Conclusion:This small cohort of patients suggests that the rehabilitation philosophy and outcomes of these 2 distinct groups of either total or partial cortical blindness differ significantly.
Keywords: Cortical blindness, stroke, rehabilitation
DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2010-0615
Journal: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 27, no. 4, pp. 321-325, 2010
IOS Press, Inc.
6751 Tepper Drive
Clifton, VA 20124
USA
Tel: +1 703 830 6300
Fax: +1 703 830 2300
[email protected]
For editorial issues, like the status of your submitted paper or proposals, write to [email protected]
IOS Press
Nieuwe Hemweg 6B
1013 BG Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 20 688 3355
Fax: +31 20 687 0091
[email protected]
For editorial issues, permissions, book requests, submissions and proceedings, contact the Amsterdam office [email protected]
Inspirees International (China Office)
Ciyunsi Beili 207(CapitaLand), Bld 1, 7-901
100025, Beijing
China
Free service line: 400 661 8717
Fax: +86 10 8446 7947
[email protected]
For editorial issues, like the status of your submitted paper or proposals, write to [email protected]
如果您在出版方面需要帮助或有任何建, 件至: [email protected]