Case report: Forced walking for treating lower limb paralysis after corpus callosum injury

RATIONALE: Damage to the corpus callosum induced by cerebral infarction is a relatively uncommon injury. Patients may exhibit diminished limb sensorimotor integration and reduced muscle strength, which makes rehabilitation more difficult. We aim to present a case of long-term paralysis in 1 lower limb resulting from severe damage to the corpus callosum fiber bundles following a cerebral infarction, and to demonstrate effective rehabilitation training methods. PATIENT CONCERNS: The patient experienced a cerebral infarction 2 hours after pituitary tumor surgery. Two months after undergoing conventional rehabilitation training, the right lower limb was still paralyzed. DIAGNOSES: A diffusion tensor imaging examination revealed that the corpus callosum fiber bundle and corticospinal tract were severely damaged, which explains the slow recovery. The diffusion tensor imaging results showed that the patient had insufficient muscle strength in their right lower limb and weak lower limb sensorimotor integration. INTERVENTIONS: We performed forced walking training with the assistance of a high walk assistive device. This method requires the use of both limbs in a symmetrical manner and forces the patient to concentrate, thereby increasing the sensorimotor integration of the affected limb. OUTCOMES: After 2 weeks of rehabilitation training, the patient achieved independent walking under supervision. LESSONS: Using a high walk assistive device for forced walking training may improve the lower limb motor function of patients with corpus callosum injury. A manual muscle testing grade of 0 may mask residual motor capacity in some patients.