Occupational therapy in cerebellar ataxia and the resource to assistive technology: a case study

DOI: 10.15343/0104-7809.200630.1.23

Abstract

Ataxia Cerebellar is a consequence of injuries in the region of the cerebellum that compromise the functions of balance and
dexterity, causing a continuous tremor in all the muscular groups. This case study relates to a patient with exogenous after-poisoning
encephalopatia that caused a cerebellar ataxia condition that was treated in the School Clinics São Camilo. An evaluation in Occupational
Therapy in September 2005 by the instrument Functional Independence Measure (FIM) detected a condition of total dependence as regards
feeding (level 1). Resources of assistive technology were projected aiming to reduce tremors, including trunk stabilizer, adaptations of table
height, plate with taller edges and cutlery thickening aiming at the improvement of feeding independence. The evaluation of feeding by
FIM, before and after daily e use of the adaptations developed by Occupational Therapy proved the effectiveness of the resources of assistive
technology as a factor favoring functional independence and presenting the secondary benefit of improving the quality of leisure activities.