Disabling tinnitus and third nerve palsy following pontine hemorrhage: Application of ICF framework

Abstract

Key Clinical Message Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage commonly affects the brainstem. This report describes a 31‐year‐old male with hypertension who developed a pontine hemorrhage. The neurological deficits included left‐third nerve palsy, right‐sided weakness, and disabling tinnitus. Tinnitus is linked to central auditory pathway disruption. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the hemorrhagic lesion and additional micro‐hemorrhages. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) enhances rehabilitation by characterizing multifaceted stroke disability. The ICF profile revealed impairments in body structures/functions, limitations in activities/participation, and positive/negative environmental factors. ICF‐based goal‐setting informed interventions, including tinnitus retraining and physical/occupational therapy. Comprehensive ICF assessment is crucial for optimized, patient‐centered post‐stroke rehabilitation as it determines the extent of impact on functional level of the patient irrespective of disease severity.

Keywords

• ICF framework
• third nerve palsy
• tinnitus