Functional Recovery After Neurorehabilitation and Ventriculoperitoneal Shunting in Pediatric Tuberculous Meningitis-Associated Hydrocephalus: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Tuberculous meningitis in children may cause hydrocephalus and neurological disability despite treatment, while evidence on rehabilitation after ventriculoperitoneal shunting remains limited. Objective: To describe functional recovery following multidisciplinary neurorehabilitation in a child with tuberculous meningitis-associated hydrocephalus after ventriculoperitoneal shunting. Case Report: A case report was conducted in a 9-year-old boy with grade II tuberculous meningitis, communicating hydrocephalus, bilateral lower-limb weakness, and urinary retention. The rehabilitation program included progressive resistance exercise, transfer and mobility training, gait training, dressing training, and bladder management. Results and Discussion: Initially, lower-limb muscle strength was approximately 3/5, and the patient required wheelchair mobility and intermittent catheterization. Following rehabilitation, strength improved to 4/5, with progression to standing, walker-assisted ambulation, independent transfers, and spontaneous urination, allowing discontinuation of catheterization. Conclusions: Multidisciplinary, goal-directed neurorehabilitation combined with bladder management may support recovery of mobility, self-care, and urinary function in children with tuberculous meningitis-associated hydrocephalus after ventriculoperitoneal shunting