Rehabilitation Success in Spinal Cord Injury: Restoring Functionality
Patient Profile
- Age: 37-year-old male
- Origin: Australia
- Condition: Complete Spinal Cord Injury (C4 level)
Background
A 37-year-old male from Australia was diagnosed with a complete spinal cord injury at the C4 level. His condition left him with no sensation or movement below this level. He retained limited functionality, including:
- Use of shoulder muscles, elbow flexors, and wrist extensors
- Weak intrinsic hand muscles, with the right side weaker than the left
- Dependence on moderate to maximum assistance for daily activities
Rehabilitation Journey
The patient underwent a comprehensive rehabilitation program at Hospital, focusing on enhancing upper limb strength, fine motor skills, and independence in daily tasks.
Achievements and Progress
The rehabilitation program yielded significant improvements in his hand and fine motor functions. He demonstrated:
- Fine Motor Skills:
- Ability to pick up small objects like pins.
- Firm grip on a tennis ball.
- Improved accuracy in throwing tennis balls at a target.
- Dexterity and Precision:
- Successfully placed and removed pegs from a board.
- Pushed and pulled pegs out of putty with increased finger strength.
- Object Manipulation:
- Grasped wooden blocks of various sizes.
- Built a tower using the blocks, showcasing improved coordination.
Conclusion
This case exemplifies the potential for recovery and improved functionality in patients with spinal cord injuries through dedicated rehabilitation. The patient’s progress underscores the importance of personalized therapy in restoring independence and enhancing quality of life.
Category: Spinal Cord Injury
Tags: Spinal Cord Injury, Rehabilitation, Fine Motor Skills, Independence
Source: BBH