An external ventricular drain (EVD) is a temporary medical device employed to manage elevated intracranial pressure and drain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain’s ventricles. Its presence necessitates specific physical therapy modifications to ensure patient safety and optimize rehabilitation outcomes.
The presence of an EVD significantly impacts the scope and implementation of physical therapy interventions. A thorough understanding of its function, potential complications, and institutional protocols is crucial for safe and effective patient management. Ignoring these considerations can lead to serious adverse events, including infection, catheter dislodgement, and hemorrhage, thereby hindering the patient’s recovery and increasing morbidity.
