A parietal subdural hematoma, also known as an intracranial hematoma, is a blood clot or hemorrhage in the parietal lobe of your brain. Your parietal lobe is responsible for interpreting signals relating to temperature, pain, touch and pressure, according to Serendip of Bryn Mawr College. Physical therapy treatment for a parietal subdural hematoma strengthens and stretches your upper-body muscles to improve your coordination, posture, balance and flexibility.
Traditional
Physical therapy treatment for a parietal subdural hematoma must include most of the standard formula of rest, ice, compression and elevation, according to MDGuidelines.com. Rest your body to start the healing process by lying down and taking time to do nothing that requires thinking or activity. Applying ice packs to your skull for between 15 and 20 minutes throughout the day will ease pain and inflammation. If ice packs are unavailable, use frozen bags of vegetables. Taking anti-inflammatory medicine such as aspirin is another way to help decrease inflammation and pain after your subdural hematoma. Keeping your head elevated above your heart level while lying down can reduce brain pressure and pain.
Trunk Flexibility
Keeping your spinal column and upper trunk flexible plays a key role during physical therapy treatment for a parietal subdural hematoma, according to MDGuidelines.com. Stretch your upper body by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart while facing a wall. Stand arm's length from the wall, according to the National Institute on Aging. Slowly lean your body forward, and keep your back straight. Place your hands, palms opened, against the wall at shoulder height and width. Slowly start walking your hands up the wall as far as possible. Hold this stretch for 10 seconds. Slowly walk your hands back down, and return to the original position. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
Body Balancing
Improving your balance may be necessary during your physical therapy treatment for a parietal subdural hematoma. Stand upright, facing the back of a firm chair, according to the National Institute on Aging. Place your hands on the top of the chair for support, if needed. Gently and slowly lift your right foot from the floor. Place your body weight onto your left foot. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Slowly return your leg to the standing position. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise five times. Do the exercise again by lifting your right leg. Increase your time as your balance improves.
Lung Flexibility
Physical therapy treatment for a parietal subdural hematoma needs to include keeping your lungs flexible and clear to remove any secretions that can lead to microbe growth and infections. Do this through deep breathing and coughing, according to Father Saturnino Urios University. Sit upright in a firm chair, and take a deep breath to fill your lungs. Exhale and cough. Do five coughs. Relax for 30 seconds. Another lung flexibility exercise involves sitting upright with your feet shoulder-width apart on the floor. Close your eyes. Breathe deeply through your nose, and feel your lungs fill. Imagine you are in your favorite place or listening to your favorite relaxing music. Hold this breath for five seconds. Slowly exhale. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise three times.
References
- Serendip; Parietal Lobe; Bryn Mawr College; 2011
- MDGuidelines; Fracture, Skull, Closed; Reed Group; 2010
- Mayo Clinic; Intracranial Hematoma; Definition; 2009
- NIH Senior Health; Exercise and Physical Activity for Older Adults, Exercises to Try, Balance Exercises; January 2010
- NIH Senior Health; Exercise and Physical Activity for Older Adults, Exercises to Try; Flexibility Exercises; January 2010
