Swetha Gautam

Neurophysiological Facilitation in Mechanical Ventilated Patients Swetha Gautam

Physiotherapists have the set goals of early weaning of the patient on mechanical ventilator, maintenance of bronchial hygiene, increasing the arousal of the patient, correcting the respiratory pattern for Patients with neurological insults and on mechanical ventilator. The three potential respiratory disabilities in these patients are - inability to ventilate, inability to cough, and risk of aspiration. Ventilatory insufficiency is mainly related to weakness or failure of the inspiratory muscles. Cough insufficiency is related to inspiratory, expiratory, and upper-airway dysfunction. And the risk of aspiration is predominantly related to upper airway-muscle issues. Appropriate interventions needs to be undertaken in advance of overt failure and respiratory emergency. It is important to note that many of these measurements and interventions are entirely within the scope of the respiratory therapist and requires a successful implementation. Neurophysiologic facilitation technique has positive effects on the HR, BP, minute ventilation, inspiratory and expiratory tidal volume, SPO2 chest expansion for a short period of time (ie) till three minutes on these patients.