A Case of Stroke with Focal Dystonia - A Physiotherapist Perspective

Focal dystonia and stroke are very rare co-existing phenomena and they are very challenging for a physiotherapist. The problem encountered is the hand function which is very vital for functional activity and hence for the quality of life. Here we have presented a 56-year-old patient with right hemiplegia and focal dystonia co-existing and his physiotherapy management strategy. Though there is a limited success following 8 weeks of management in this case report, there are good take-home messages in the assessment, activity limitation, and participation restriction faced by the patient. Keywords: Stroke, hemiplegia, Focal dystonia, Hand function, rehabilitation, physiotherapy.