Abstract
A patient with normal pressure hydrocephalus was seen for physical therapy for 3 daily treatment sessions in an acute care setting as the patient underwent external lumbar drainage of cerebral spinal fluid. Treatment was provided by a student physical therapist under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The patient was evaluated at the initial encounter with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Basic, and the Tinetti Balance Assessment Tool. Main goals for the patient were to improve lower extremity strength, cognitive functioning of memory and attention, foot clearance, step length, step continuity, and functional independence. Main interventions were auditory and visual cues aimed at improving gait parameters and functional independence. The patient improved his step continuity, base of support, and step length. The patient was discharged to home with a shower chair along with a recommendation for home health physical therapy. Patient was to return to the hospital a few weeks later for an elective ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement.