Background/Objectives: Fear of falling is highly prevalent after stroke and may interact with mobility limitations, neurological deficits, and reduced quality of life. However, few studies have examined these dimensions together during inpatient rehabilitation. This study aimed to assess fear of falling, balance and gait performance, and HRQoL in adults undergoing post-stroke inpatient rehabilitation, and to examine the interrelationships among psychological, functional, and clinical measures to support multidimensional assessment strategies. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 39 patients (51.28% women, 71.79% after ischemic stroke) undergoing post-stroke inpatient rehabilitation. The main assessments included the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), the Tinetti Test (TT), and the Short Form-36 (SF-36). Results: High fear of falling was reported by 61.5% of participants, while a substantial proportion (35.9%) demonstrated moderate-to-high fall risk on the TT, despite the majority being classified as low risk. SF-36 domain scores indicated moderate HRQoL with substantial interindividual variability across dimensions. Strong correlations were found between SF-36 and FES-I (rs = 0.76, p < 0.001), TT (rs = −0.78, p < 0.001), Barthel Index (rs = −0.71, p < 0.001), and NIHSS (rs = 0.65, p < 0.001). Patients with greater neurological impairment and lower independence demonstrated worse HRQoL and higher fear of falling. Also, a statistically significant (p < 0.001) strong negative correlation (rs = −0.89) was found between the TT and the FES-I scores, indicating that higher fear of falling was associated with poorer mobility. Conclusions: Fear of falling, impaired balance, and reduced HRQoL are highly prevalent and strongly interconnected among post-stroke inpatients. These findings highlight the need for early multidimensional assessment and integrated interventions targeting both physical performance and psychological factors. Larger longitudinal studies are required to clarify causal pathways and optimize rehabilitation strategies.

The prevalence of lower back pain and radicular pain in the population requires more and more accurate diagnostic methods to more effectively prevent and treat patients with these ailments. In this paper, we focused on one of the causes of lower back pain and radicular pain—lumbar foraminal stenosis (LFS). The aim of the study is to assess the morphometry of the intervertebral canals in the lumbar spine at the levels of the L4/L5 and L5/S1 motor segments. The obtained results showed correlations between the circumference and the surface area on individual cross-sections of the intervertebral canals at the L4/L5 and L5/S1 levels and determined the approximate shape of the root canal and its variability. On this basis, we were able to determine the influences of the patient’s age and sex on the morphometric parameters of the intervertebral canals at the L4/L5 and L5/S1 levels. Further research is needed in this area, taking into account additional factors influencing the shape of intervertebral canals.

Background/Objectives: Emotional and cognitive impairments are prevalent in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), significantly affecting their quality of life and recovery potential. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has emerged as a promising non-invasive method to enhance neurorehabilitation outcomes by modulating neural activity. Methods: This prospective, open-label, multicenter interventional study included 100 participants (50 AIS, 50 TBI) who underwent 10 sessions of tDCS. Emotional states, depression levels, and memory and learning outcomes were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the UWIST Mood Adjective Checklist (UMACL), Depression Measurement Questionnaire (DMQ), Benton Visual Retention Test (BVRT), and Brain Damage Diagnostic Test (BDDT). Results: Significant improvements in emotional states were observed post-tDCS. Hedonic tone increased (AIS: 2.5 to 5 stens; TBI: 1.5 to 4 stens), while tension arousal decreased (AIS: 8 to 6 stens; TBI: 8 to 6 stens; all p < 0.001). Depression levels dropped significantly, with the overall depression index decreasing from 131 to 100 points in AIS and from 126 to 104 points in TBI (both p < 0.001). Memory and learning scores improved significantly, evidenced by increased correct responses and reduced errors in BVRT and BDDT tests (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: tDCS effectively improved emotional states, reduced depression levels, and enhanced cognitive functions in AIS and TBI patients. These findings support the integration of tDCS into neurorehabilitation protocols, with further research needed to explore long-term benefits and individualized treatment strategies.

BACKGROUND Aphasia is a common consequence of stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) that significantly impairs communication and quality of life. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has emerged as a non-invasive technique potentially enhancing language rehabilitation. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of tDCS in combination with speech-language therapy (SLT) in improving language functions in patients with aphasia. MATERIAL AND METHODS A group of 90 patients diagnosed with TBI- or stroke-related aphasia were randomly assigned to 3 groups: tDCS alone (Group I), SLT alone (Group II), and tDCS combined with SLT (Group III). Treatment procedures spanned 5 months. tDCS sessions lasted 30-40 minutes each (1-1.5 mA), targeting the left dorsolateral (F3) and the right (F4) prefrontal cortex. Language function was assessed using the Frenchay Aphasia Screening Test (FAST), Aphasia Evaluation Scale (SODA), and Token Test (TT). Statistical analyses compared pre- and post-intervention outcomes within and between groups. RESULTS All groups demonstrated significant improvements in language function (p < 0.001). Group III showed the greatest gains in verbal expression, comprehension, and reading (32.6% improvement in FAST scores), significantly outperforming Group I (24.3%) and Group II (17.8%). tDCS alone was more effective than SLT alone (p = 0.04). Combining tDCS with SLT resulted in superior patient-reported improvements in daily communication and confidence in verbal expression compared to either treatment alone. CONCLUSIONS Patients who received combined tDCS and SLT had notable improvements across all measured parameters, including verbal expression, comprehension, reading, and writing, as assessed by the FAST, SODA, and TT tests.

The prevalence of intervertebral disc degeneration in the lumbar region resulting in low back pain is high. One of the treatment options is neurosurgery. Previous studies and systematic reviews demonstrate the need to identify factors that affect the health-related quality of life of patients undergoing surgery. This study aimed to analyze the sociodemographic and clinical factors that affect the quality of life of patients undergoing lumbar disc surgery. A group of 128 patients was assessed for eligibility and qualified by radiological examinations for lumbar disc surgery by a neurosurgeon in the outpatient clinic. Finally, 110 patients were studied and evaluated 24 h and 3 months after surgery. Health-related quality of life (36-Item Short Form Survey, SF-36), disability level (Oswestry Disability Index, ODI), and pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS) were assessed. The mean pain intensity before surgery was 7.8 ± 2.3 pts and decreased significantly 24 h after surgery, with a mean score of 3.8 ± 2.4 pts (p = 0.0000). After three months, the increase in pain intensity was at 4.8 ± 2.4 pts, but the score was still significantly better than before surgery (p = 0.0024). The mean ODI score before surgery was 29.3 ± 8.4 pts (slight disability), and three months after surgery, there was an insignificant increase to a mean value of 31.5 ± 10.4 pts (p = 0.0834). There was a statistically significant increase in quality-of-life scores at three months after surgery in the following domains: physical functioning (8.7%; p = 0.0176), bodily pain (26.2%; p = 0.0000), vitality (5.8%; p = 0.0132) and mental health (6.2%; p = 0.0163), and a decrease in role limitations due to physical problems (3.8; p = 0.0013) and general health perception (6.7%; p = 0.0112). In conclusion, the surgical procedure plays an important role in improving the quality of life of patients operated on for intervertebral disc degeneration. It was effective in reducing the pain level, especially 24 h after surgery; however, surgery did not affect the disability level.

Spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) is a very rare condition associated with trauma or occurring as a complication of lumbar puncture and can appear spontaneously. It manifests with acute pain and neurological deficits, leading to severe and permanent complications. This study aimed to assess changes in health-related quality of life and functional status following long-term intensive neurorehabilitation in a patient after severe sport-related head injury with a related SEH. The 60-year-old male patient experienced bilateral weakness of lower limbs, loss of sensation, and sphincter dysfunction. A laminectomy was performed, followed by a slight superficial and deep sensation improvement. The patient underwent intensive neurological rehabilitation treatment. The proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) method, PRAGMA device exercises, and water rehabilitation were provided. The study outcomes were assessed using the validated questionaries World Health Organization Quality-of-Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF) and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL-14) for health-related quality of life as well as the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) for functional status. A beneficial clinical improvement was observed following the intensive rehabilitation using PNF techniques, training with a PRAGMA device, and water exercises in the case of SEH. The patient’s physical condition significantly improved, with an increase in the FIM score from 66 to 122 pts. (by 56 pts.) and in the HAQ score from 43 to 16 pts. (by 27 pts.). Additionally, the QOL level increased after rehabilitation, with an increase in the WHOQOL-BREF from 37 to 74 pts. (by 37 pts.) and a decrease in unhealthy or limited days, as assessed using the HRQOL-14, from 210 to 168 (by 42 days). In conclusion, the improvement in QOL and functional level in the SEH patient were associated with high-intensity rehabilitation, simultaneous integration of three therapeutic modalities, and committed patient cooperation.