Physiotherapy Intervention for a 1.5-Year-Old Child With Communicating Hydrocephalus and Developmental Delay Secondary to Torticollis: A Case Report

This report presents the case of a 1.5-year-old female child diagnosed with communicating hydrocephalus and developmental delay, who received physical therapy as part of her treatment. Hydrocephalus refers to the formation of excess fluid in the deep brain cavities. The excess fluid makes the ventricles enlarged, which increases the pressure inside the brain. Excessive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure caused by hydrocephalus, on the other hand, can harm brain tissue and cause a variety of neurological problems and developmental delays. After taking a thorough history in this case, it was discovered that the patient had a history of one-month NICU admissions due to frequent episodes of vomiting, fever, and low birth weight. After repeated delays, medical consultations were requested, and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showing signs of communicating hypertension led to a referral for physiotherapy. The child shows delays in reaching developmental milestones, such as having difficulty controlling her head and trunk and having a history of consequent birth complications. The goals of the physiotherapy intervention were to develop total body coordination and balance, improve awareness of sensations, and attain head and trunk control. Different approaches were used to target developmental milestones and functional abilities, such as myofascial release techniques, neurodevelopmental approaches, sensory stimulation, and integration therapy. The patient's outcome measures were evaluated both before and after the intervention using the Hammersmith infant neurological examination, Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability scale, and infant neurological international battery. All outcome measures indicated significant improvements after receiving physiotherapy rehabilitation. Significant improvements were achieved through progressive treatments, demonstrating the importance of combining early therapy and parental engagement in assisting patients in achieving their goals. To investigate additional therapy methods and evidence of long-term prognosis for this patient population, more study is required.