Post-Stroke Cognitive Rehabilitation: A Single Case Research

Cognitive rehabilitation is of utmost importance to restore the well-being of stroke patients. The case study research allows an in-depth exploration of complex symptomatology. In this pre-post intervention study of a case with cerebrovascular insults, core cognitive deficits were identified following the idiographic approach. A multimodal approach has been adopted to address the diverse deficit conditions. PD, a 52-year-old male, suffering from two cerebrovascular insults within two years, reported with a complex presentation of cognitive and behavioural symptoms, to get relief of his problems. To develop an intervention programme, baseline assessment of cognitive symptoms was done with Addenbrooke Cognitive Examination, and selected sub-tests from Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment and West Bengal Aphasia Battery. Post-stroke depression and anxiety were assessed using Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory. The intervention programme was designed to address the problems in the domains of attention, working memory, naming, retrieval and verbal fluency. One-hour weekly session was conducted for 6 months. Home-based practice was continued even during follow-up period. Gradual post-intervention improvement has been evident in all the aforesaid cognitive functions on trend analysis at three different time points over a period of 5 years. A significant progression has been observed in daily functioning, in quality of life, including, restoration of his creative and professional career. The study-outcome authenticates the efficacy of the current intervention model in bringing about a holistic, persistent improvement in the client’s overall level of functioning.