Scholarly Article
Neurodevelopmental Rehabilitation in an Infant with Communicating Hydrocephalus and Periventricular Leukomalacia: A Case report
Akshay, Parihar, Sheikh, Nabila
2025-12-31 · VIMS JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL THERAPY · DVVPF's, College of Physiotherapy
Abstract
Background: Hydrocephalus is a neurological condition caused by excess accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain's ventricles, often leading to increased intracranial pressure and developmental delays. Case Presentation: This case report presents a preterm, low birth weight male infant diagnosed with communicating hydrocephalus, accompanied by a porencephalic cyst and periventricular leukomalacia. Clinical findings included seizures, macrocephaly, absent primitive reflexes, and global developmental delay. A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt was placed to divert CSF and control intracranial pressure. Intervention: Physiotherapy interventions focused on neurodevelopmental therapy, sensory integration, trunk control, fine and gross motor training, and parental education. Post-intervention, the infant showed improvements in motor skills, postural control, and balance. Results: Post-intervention, the infant demonstrated notable improvements in motor performance, postural control, and balance. GMFM scores improved from 59% to 69%, while PBS scores increased from 2/56 to 15/56. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes in high-risk infants with hydrocephalus and associated brain injuries.
Keywords
Communicating hydrocephalus, ventriculoperitoneal shunt, physiotherapy, developmental delay, preterm infant, neurodevelopmental therapy
Citation Details
VIMS JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL THERAPY, pp. 41-45