Early multidisciplinary rehabilitation targeting severe functional impairments following meningitis caused by Listeria monocytogenes.

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to evaluate the outcomes of early, comprehensive rehabilitation in a 61-year-old patient with severe neurological and functional impairments following meningitis caused by Listeria monocytogenes.

METHODS

The patient underwent one month of multidisciplinary rehabilitation. The therapeutic program included functional physiotherapy with postural and verticalization training, respiratory interventions, and orofacial rehabilitation. Orofacial therapy focused on the masticatory and facial muscles and comprised soft tissue techniques, mandibular movement training, and neuromuscular re-education.

RESULTS

Improvements were observed in trunk control, tolerance of spontaneous breathing, maximum mouth opening, mouth closure, and mandibular mobility. A reduction in head and neck muscle pain was also noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Early, comprehensive physiotherapy contributed to improvements in postural stability, respiratory function, and orofacial function, as well as to reduced head and neck muscle pain. These findings highlight the potential value of multidisciplinary rehabilitation in patients recovering from meningitis caused by L. monocytogenes.