Spinal Cord Injury Case Study: Tyler

Tyler Densfod is a 23 year old in the Air National Guard. On June 11, 2016 Tyler was participating in a drill when a fatal accident resulting spinal cord injury occurred. His T7 and T8 spinal vertebrae were broken resulting in paralysis from the waste down. After time at the Regional One Trauma Center in Memphis, Tyler was transported to the Shepard Center in Atlanta for rehabilitation. During his time there, he received PT and OT 4-5 times a day. During his sessions with the occupational therapist, he worked on ADLs such as: getting dressed and brushing his teeth. Tyler was discharged from the Shepard Center 3 weeks after he was admitted. Upon discharge, Tyler made one of his primary goals to be able to drive again. He has been able to achieve this goal by using the technology of an adapted car. After hearing Tyler's story it makes me realize how important occupational therapy is for individuals with spinal cord injuries. Tyler speaks highly of his time with OT and has stated that if he regains any functioning in his lower limbs he plans to utilize occupational therapy.