Case Study: Parkinson's Disease

Muhammad Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease at age 42. He was referred to occupational therapy to support his occupational performance of being an athlete, motivational speaker, and philanthropist. Being a former boxer, he was use to being very active, so when he should schedule his medicine is very important to his busy lifestyle. It is important for him to remember to take breaks while waiting for the medicine to kick in. Another goal is to educate his caregiver about Parkinson's Disease and how to support Muhammad Ali. After being diagnosed, he wanted to continue his motivational speaking which includes traveling and advocating for PD. With that being said, his short term goals include managing his medication and taking breaks throughout the day. His long term goal is to be able to carry the torch at the next Olympics. 

Activitiy Analysis

After hearing so much about everything that goes into planning therapy sessions with clients, I was looking forward to doing my own. I decided to pick making trail mix as my activity to work with fine motor skills and simple sequencing for cognitive skills. The overall analysis took longer than I had expected. There was a lot to think about when planning an activity! Although my activity went shorter than I expected, I think my group enjoyed it. My other group member’s activities were bow tying, making Rice Krispy treats, and making guacamole. Needless to say, today we ate some yummy snacks! Not only did I learn by creating my activity analysis, but also it was fun to be able to come to class and implement our activities to see the changes we should make for the future. Hands down today has been my favorite day of class thus far!

Memphis Rollin' Grizzlies

After talking about different spinal cord injuries in class I found myself very interested in the different sports that have been altered to include people in wheelchairs. My class was invited to the Memphis Rollin’ Grizzlies practice and I was very excited to say the least. After going to the Memphis Rollin’ Grizzlies practice, I knew exactly what I wanted to write my next neuro note on. I had always heard of adapted sports for people in wheelchairs, but have never experienced it first hand.

            During this practice, I saw the Memphis Rollin’ Grizzlies scrimmage a game of wheelchair basketball. The amount of upper body strength and athleticism that went into this sport was incredible. They had to not only coordinate the sport of basketball, but also play while in a wheelchair. Their drive for the game was so inspiring. These guys did not let their various disabilities keep them from playing basketball.

            I am so glad that I followed up on my interest of the sport and went to practice to further my knowledge. I think my biggest take away from this blog post is to always encourage people to continue doing the activities they enjoy in some form or fashion. Some of these guys started out their adulthood with different goals, when a sudden accident altered their life forever. They didn’t let there knew way of life stop them from playing basketball, but found a different way to play. To be a better occupational therapist I think it is important to know about different community opportunities to better engage and encourage clients. Many people do not know that activities such as wheelchair basketball are available in their communities. As OTs, we should make the public more aware of these kinds of activities and involvement!

Ethics

In class we were given the definition of ethics as, “the study of how judgments are made in terms of right and wrong, the philosophy of human conduct.” Although that seems to be a very direct definition, it still leaves plenty of room for grey area in the clinical setting. As future a practitioner, it is my responsibility to determine what is right and what is ethically wrong in any given situation I come across. Luckily, AOTA has provided a Code of Ethics for practitioners as a guide for OTs. This guide helps provide consistency within the profession along with putting the accountability in the public light to educate the general public on what they should expect from occupational therapist. Having a Code of Ethics within the profession promotes the integrity of the profession as a whole. It also provides protection for practitioners and consumers across the general practice settings.

Lifelong Learner

After being in OT school for just a few short months I have learned that occupational therapist are lifelong learners, but what does that really mean? When I first heard the phrase, I thought it just referred to formal education such as going on to get my doctorate later in life.  Being a lifelong learner does not mean just going to school to get another degree, it’s continuing education voluntarily.  This could be for personal interests or for a specific job. After talking about this topic more in class, I have realized it is pertinent for out professions to continue our education. In order to be the best practitioner I can be, I must be up to date with new therapy techniques and the research behind it to best treat my clients. Not only is it important for our practice setting, it is also outlined in AOTA for OTs to commit to being lifelong learners. I am so excited to be in a profession that puts such emphasis on being successful practitioners in treating our client with the utmost support!

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.

Me Before You

As I sat down to write my first Neuro Note, I first skimmed the suggestions that my professor provided for my class when I saw the movie, Me Before You. This was a movie that I had seen when it first came to theatres and had never really thought about the neurological aspect of one of the main character’s paralysis.

Me Before You is a movie about quirky, optimistic woman, Lou, who takes on a new job as a caregiver to Will Traynor to help financially support her family. Will Traynor is a wealthy, cynical man whom became paraplegia after a devastating motorcycle accident. Although he was pessimistic at first, he soon enjoyed Lou’s company and began to look forward to her visits. Before Lou arrived, he did not have any goals or social interactions. She started taking him out in public, planning trips, activities, and learning about his overall interests. It was amazing the affect it had on his mental health. Will desperately needed a motivator and someone to encourage him to still participate in meaningful activities. To me, this movie really portrays just how much social interaction can affect someone’s mental state. Lou’s encouragement and care for his well being really made an impact on his life. Will did not have an occupational therapist, but it makes me wonder how the quality of his life could have been enhanced had he been introduced to OT in an outpatient setting.

After doing some research in occupational therapy for people with paralysis I think it could have impacted his life drastically. An occupational therapist could have helped him make goals, develop routines, and encourage community engagement. An OT could even provide opportunities to educate in peer resources and self-advocacy. Lou had a lot of occupational therapist qualities about her and I think that has a lot to do to the role she played in his life.

After writing this blog, I now realize how important social interaction is and a better understanding of an OT’s role in providing therapy to a person who is paraplegic.

Moyes, J. (2012). Me before you. New York: Pamela Dorman Books.

Occupational Therapy and the Care of Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury. (n.d.). Retrieved April 23, 2017, from http://www.aota.org/About-Occupational-Therapy/Professionals/RDP/spinal-cord-injury.aspx