Effect of Rehabilitation Exercises Program on Knowledge and Neurologic Functions for Patients Undergoing Craniotomy

Abstract

Awake craniotomy is a neurosurgical procedure that enables the removal of a tumor in the brain whereas the patient is awake, therefore minimizing the risk of damage to the brain. Rehabilitation after brain tumor surgery aims to improve the cognitive dysfunction, balance, and increasing the level of performing daily living activities for the patient. Aim of the study: This study aimed to assess the effect of rehabilitation exercises program on knowledge and neurologic functions for patients undergoing craniotomy. Design: Quasi-experimental design has been applied. Setting: Neurosurgery outpatient clinics at El Demerdash Hospital (New Emergency Hospital) affiliated to Ain Shams University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt. Subjects: A purposive sample of fiftytwo patients that met the inclusion criteria in the previously specified setting was divided into two groups: the study group and the control group. Tools: patients' interview questionnaire, observational checklist of range of motion exercises, mini mental state examination (MMSE), Berg balance scale (BBS) and Functional Independent Measure (FIM) Scale. Results: The findings of this study proved a statistically significant improvement in the study group as in comparison with the control group in terms of knowledge, practice of range of motion exercises, cognitive functions, balance, and functional independence. Conclusion: the findings concluded that rehabilitation exercises program had a positive effect on all results of study group participants and support all research hypotheses. Recommendations: All patients with craniotomy need continuous health education during rehabilitation period.