Physical therapy enhances physical and functional abilities in a female patient with gliomatosis cerebri.

Abstract

Gliomatosis cerebri is a low incidence diffuse glial tumor that affects three or more brain lobes. The survival rate is < 5 years in 20% of the patients. Although chemotherapy seems to improve life expectancy, to date no interventions have been described that help improve the quality of life of these patients. The aim of this study was to assess if physical therapy may contribute to do this. We present the case of a female patient with gliomatosis cerebri of nine years of evolution showing dependence on technical supports and supervision during walking, reduced speed and balance, tremor and dystonia in lower limbs. The patient underwent physiotherapy treatment: trunk control exercises, limb strength, and gait ability. Improvement in functionality was observed. Further studies with a larger sample size are needed to confirm these results .