Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy and Physical Therapy Management in Acute Care: A Case Study

Background. Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) is the most prevalent variation of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. It is a neurological disorder in which the immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system resulting in demyelination and subsequent ineffective nerve transmission. Currently there is a lack of evidence supporting the most effective early physical therapy treatment interventions. Purpose. The purpose of this case study is to present the early physical therapy intervention provided in the acute care setting for a patient with AIDP. Description. This case study describes a five-day inpatient physical therapy management of a 37-year-old male who was diagnosed with AIDP. The patient presented with profound overall body weakness and paresthesia in all extremities, resulting in limited functional mobility. Intervention. Treatment focused greatly on functional mobility, such as transfer and gait training, with a substantial educational component. Lower extremity and core strengthening exercises were also included with close monitoring for overexertion. Outcomes. Following physical therapy intervention, the patient required less assistance for functional mobility, shown by an increase of 4.24 on the Acute Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) 6- clicks assessment. Discussion. The patient demonstrated the ability to tolerate intensive, multidisciplinary therapy in the acute care setting, qualifying him to receive inpatient rehabilitation. Although the patient demonstrated favorable outcomes, further research is needed to determine the most effective treatment interventions to facilitate return to functio