Excellence in Action! – Neuro Rehab following CVA!

A patient was admitted to our Brookhaven, MS facility following a CVA that left her completely dependent. Her dominant right side was flaccid and she had severe right-sided neglect. Her right visual field was so impaired that she was unable to track movement with her eyes, especially to her right side. She was completely unaware of the presence of individuals who were on her right, even when they spoke to her. The patient also presented with Expressive Aphasia, leaving her unable to verbally express her wants and needs, along with severe Dysphagia, requiring her to be fed through a PEG tube.

Our rehab team sprang into action, utilizing TMC’s Neuro Connections Specialty Evaluation and Clinical Resources, as well as TMC’s Stroke Protocol Clinical Pathways. Melissa, SLP, Mercedes, LPTA, and Kelsey, COTA/L also implemented many out-of-the-box treatment strategies, including family education and training to ensure a safe discharge to the patient’s home environment. One example of their innovative treatment methods included implementation of a functional communication board. With assistance from the patient’s family, Melissa, SLP, created the board using pictures of familiar items from the patient’s home.

Just weeks into treatment, the patient’s family, nurses, and even other residents in the facility were able to notice a difference in the patient’s functional capabilities and praised our therapists on her progress. While our therapists were flattered, they credited the progress the patient made on her own will to participate.

Through the skilled, innovative treatment methods of our Rehab Team, as well as the patient’s own hard work and dedication, the patient made significant progress, gaining the ability to safely transfer with minimal assistance from staff. Her swallow function advanced to the point that she could tolerate medications and food/liquids orally again, allowing her to have her PEG tube removed.

The patient’s abilities continued to improve, even after discharge. After 100 days in our facility, she was discharged home and returned for outpatient therapy. She continues to maintain her ability to transfer with minimal assistance. She can appropriately point to her communication board to express her wants and needs, and can propel her wheelchair with supervision for long distances. She is able to walk within her home using a Hemi-Walker, is able to assist with ADLs, and can manage simple home tasks such as folding laundry and rinsing dishes.

This story is living proof that with hard work and effort, anything can happen. Where there’s a will, there’s a way!

ALL IN, Brookhaven, MS.