Effects of Functional Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation with Mental Practice to Improve Activities of Daily Living in Syringomyelia Patient - A Case Report

Background: Syringomyelia is a rare disorder in which a syrinx is formed in the spinal cord and it expands over the time, damaging the entire spinal cord. It shows low prevalence and is difficult to diagnose. Syringomyelia is a physically disabling condition and its symptoms are profoundly similar to that of spinal cord injury (SCI). Since it is a rare disorder, there is lack of literature about the effects of various physiotherapy techniques in syringomyelia patients.

Objective: The aim is to determine the effects of functional Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) with Mental Practice to improve activities of daily living in syringomyelia patient. Case report: We report the case of a 25 year old female presenting with history of fever and chills for a month followed by convulsions and loss of sensations and muscle power 1/5 in both lower limbs below the trunk. The condition was managed by functional PNF techniques along with mental practice. Conclusion: PNF with Mental Practice is effective to improve activities of daily living in syringomyelia patient.