Rehabilitation results of patients with acute transverse myelitis

Background: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of rehabilitation in patients with acute transverse myelitis (ATM). Method: The patients were included in rehabilitation program in the rehabilitation unit. Spasticity of the patients was evaluated by modified Ashworth scale at baseline and at the end of treatment. The functional independence measurement (FIM), Barthel index and functional ambulatory scale (FAS) values were as well evaluated at baseline and at the end of the treatment, and the results were compared to evaluate the efficacy of the rehabilitation program. Results: A total of 13 patients (6 males, 7 females) with transverse myelitis were included in the study. The mean +/- SD of age of the patients was 14.30 +/- 3.14. The mean +/- SD of duration of disease was 4.5 +/- 1.85 weeks. There was statistically significant difference in modified Ashworth scale, FIM, and FAS values when the baseline and after treatment values were compared, which indicated improvement due to treatment (p < 0.05). Conclusions: We concluded that in patients with ATM, rehabilitation of patients contributes to clinical and functional improvement of the disease (Tab. 2, Fig. 1, Ref. 23). Full Text in free PDF www.bmj.sk.