Beyond the Diagnosis of Friedreich’s Ataxia: International Cultural Factors in Patient Decisions

Thursday, October 30, 2025

10:45 AM - 11:00 AM

Location: ROOM: Astoria Room >>> DIRECTIONS: Third Floor >>> From the Main Elevator Bank, proceed left toward the Williford and Waldorf Rooms. Astoria is located beyond the Waldorf along the south corridor.

Corresponding Presenter(s)

Lauren A. Mitchell, PT DPT

Physical Therapist
TIRR Memorial Hermann Inpatient Rehabilitation
Houston, TX, United States

Slides Slides

Presenter(s)

Cara Stricklin, CPO

Prosthetist Orthotist
Hanger Clinic
Houston, TX, United States
Nikola Dragojlovic, DO

Associate Professor and Residency Program Director
UTHealth Houston
Houston, TX, United States

This case discusses the rehabilitation care of a patient with Friedreich's ataxia from the UAE. There were significant language, financial and cultural factors which impacted her care and rehabilitation outcomes. These are discussed in great detail, as are the novel methods with which her impairments were treated with an interdisciplinary team approach in the inpatient rehabilitation setting.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion, participants wil be able to identify key components of FRDA that are addressed in a IPR setting.
Upon completion, participant will be able to recognize different international views on medical management and patient care.
Upon completion, participant will be able to identify additional members of an interdisciplinary healthcare team in an IPR setting.