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

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.