Not to be confused with the recent breakthroughs in brainwave communication with supposed vegetative patients recently reported on this blog, multiple news releases have said that a Belgian coma patient who was supposedly communicating with a speech therapist by way of arm movements was never communicating after all.
Rom Houben, a car accident victim who was diagnosed as vegetative 23 years ago, was reported last November to have communicated with his doctors and family. Now, doctors have reported that the claims were false.
The case arose after brain scans revealed Houben’s brain as almost fully conscious, although his body remains immobilized. The news gave great relief and hope to friends and family members of patients diagnosed as vegetative. The hopes may still be unfounded, although research into other methods of communication – including the use of fMRI scans to monitor changes in brainwave activity – continues.
The initial stories of Houben’s alleged communication were based on a technique called facilitated communication in which a speech therapist’s hand is guided above a keyboard by a patient’s hand. When the therapist feels gentle pressure when his or her hand is above a particular letter, the letter is typed. Skeptics claimed early on that the technique was faulty, but it took further testing to prove the technique false. Houben’s neurologist, Steven Laureys, conducted an extensive 15-stage test that Houben failed every step of the way.
Although Houben was proven unable to communicate, Laureys acknowledge that his brain scans prove that the man is conscious and not completely vegetative. It is unclear whether or not he is a candidate for brain-scan communication attempts; however, results of early studies on other vegetative patients have proven successful.
A Canadian Press article reported that, “Experts say the larger question of whether people like Houben who have a traumatic brain injury are conscious and alert remains unanswered.” While facilitated communication has proven faulty in this case, doctors continue to explore myriad variations in diagnoses of patients in vegetative states to determine whether or not the diagnosis still retains validity.
References:
Cheng, Maria. (February 19, 2010) “Belgian coma patient can’t communicate after all, doctor acknowledges after testing.” Retrieved on February 21, 2010 from the Google Web site: http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5gEBQiSW8WJ2UK56qvwwLzwmJ2vsw
Connolly, Kate. (November 23, 2009) “Trapped in his own body for 23 years – the coma victim who screamed unheard.” Retrieved on February 22, 2010 from the Guardian Web site: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/nov/23/man-trapped-coma-23-years
Hall, Allan. (November 23, 2009) “ ‘I screamed, but there was nothing to hear’: Man trapped in 23-year ‘coma’ reveals horror of being unable to tell doctors he was conscious.” Retrieved on February 22, 2010 from the Mail Online Web site: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1230092/Rom-Houben-Patient-trapped-23-year-coma-conscious-along.html
Med India Staff. (February 21, 2010) “Belgian Coma Patient Unable to Communicate by Computer: Doctor.” Retrieved on February 22, 2010 from the Med India Web site: http://www.medindia.net/news/Belgian-Coma-Patient-Unable-to-Communicate-By-Computer-Doctor-65357-1.htm
Metro Reporter. (February 21, 2010) “23-year coma man Rom Houben’s ‘communication’ proved to be fake.” Retrieved on February 21, 2010 from the Metro Web site: http://www.metro.co.uk/news/814078-23-year-coma-man-rom-houbens-communication-proved-to-be-fake
On December 11, 2007, 16-year-old Luke Vogel attempted a ski jump in a park in Colorado. After crashing to the ground, Vogel found his body unable to move as he had just before the crash. In that single instant, Vogel became a quadriplegic. In the beginning, he was angry – rightfully. Two years later, Vogel told NBC News, “I’ve come to terms that this is what it is right now, and it’ll be better to deal with it instead of just being pissed off at everyone.”
Vogel continues to work out to keep his body in perfect shape for the day when a full recovery becomes possible, which his doctor says might not be far off. Dr. Stephen Davies from the University of Colorado School of Medicine said, “I feel confident in saying that I’d be really disappointed if we didn’t have something within the next five years that is of major benefit to people with spinal cord injuries,” according to NBC News. Davies’ research into astrocytes and stem cells could provide major contributions in that direction.
Davies’ research focuses on ways to rid the spinal cord of scar tissue buildup and to encourage the neurons in the spinal cord to reconnect across injury sites, which might allow spinal cord injury survivors to regain the ability to walk and move as they did before their injuries. Davies’ suggested that, “by placing astrocytes made by using a specific kind of stem cell into the injury site, he can fuel growth across the once impenetrable,” the article noted.
His research has so far proven viable and powerful in rat models. The next step is to make the leap to studies on human spinal cords. Davies suggests that spinal cord injury victims do everything in their power to keep their bodies strong and healthy, so that when the time comes to attempt new techniques, their bodies are in prime condition to accept and make use of the treatments. Davies told NBC that the human clinical trials are only a couple of years away.
Meanwhile, Vogel continues working out on electrical stimulation bicycles (FES bikes) to keep in shape and to keep the remaining connections in his spinal cord strong. He said he is not holding his breath for a paralysis-reversing discovery, but he holds out hope that he will one day walk again.
References:
Wolf, Jeffrey. (February 18, 2010) “Waiting for a miracle that could come soon.” Retrieved on February 22, 2010 from the NBC News Web site: http://www.9news.com/seenon9news/article.aspx?storyid=132991&catid=509
Photo courtesy of braininjuryclubhouse.org
The Midwest Brain Injury Clubhouse opened its doors in Chicago in 2000. The clubhouse currently provides a space for rehabilitation for 75 brain injury and stroke survivors from age 20 to 73. A recent ABC News piece reported that the clubhouse has plans to expand its facilities and services. The clubhouse offers work opportunities and internships for brain injury patients who need time and assistance before returning to work unassisted. Clubhouse programs provide, “a wide range of post-rehabilitation work and independent living skills to individuals with different brain injuries,” according to the report.
The clubhouse’s budget is $275,000, and they are attempting to raise more funds and secure a new building to increase their offerings to clubhouse members. The members range from young Iraq war veterans like 27-year-old Andrew David Wagner, to 57-year-old aneurysm survivor Harvey Williams. Wagner sustained a traumatic brain injury from exposure to explosions in Baghdad, Iraq.
Williams told ABC News “I love this clubhouse, because it gives us a place to come to where we can relate to people who have gone through certain things that we’ve gone through in a way.” Deborah Giesler, a clubhouse representative, said, “The great part about clubhouse is that this is their own program, so if they need to be here six months to finalize and fine tune some return-to-work skill, that’s what they can do. If they need to be here eight years because they’re not able to return to work or be home alone yet, they are continuing to learn other skills, they can be here as long as they need,” according to the news piece.
The clubhouse’s Web site detailed their programs, including a free internship for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans with brain injuries. The site said, “These internships provide an excellent opportunity to build one’s work skill set, add to your resume and address potential problem areas related to mild TBI that can arise in a work environment.”
Currently, the clubhouse staff is busy making phone calls to local businesses to generate funds for their planned expansion. They rely mostly on private donations to keep the clubhouse running. We wish the clubhouse the best of luck in meeting their expanding needs.
References:
Brain Injury Clubhouse Staff. (February 22, 2010) “Brain Injury Clubhouse Programs.” Retrieved on February 22, 2010 from the Midwest Brain Injury Clubhouse Web site: http://www.braininjuryclubhouse.org/programs/
Meyer, Karen. (February 18, 2010) “Brain injury clubhouse needs more space.” Retrieved on February 22, 2010 from the ABC News Web site: http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/disability_issues&id=7284489
Photo courtesy of kevinpearce.com
Will Kevin Pearce ever snowboard again? That was the first question that came out of Kevin’s mouth when he regained consciousness and the ability to speak after sustaining a traumatic brain injury on an icy halfpipe in Utah in December 2009. Kevin was training to compete against multiple gold medalist snowboarder Shaun White when he hit his head on the halfpipe and sustained a severe traumatic brain injury.
White told the Vancouver Sun, “Obviously, there’s been injuries happen to people very close to us – you get an injury and somebody goes down and crashes and it just really shocks people. This sport hasn’t got more dangerous. It was dangerous to begin with. We drive around in cars and that’s pretty dangerous, too.” White also mentioned that he thought restrictions on difficult tricks would be preposterous. He continued, “It’s not just going up there and being a daredevil. There’s a plan about it. The progression of tricks is on the right path. Hopefully we haven’t hit the ceiling yet.”
An NBC Nightly News video commented that Kevin has suffered memory loss and vision impairment, and that he must relearn to walk again with the help of physical therapists. Another NBC news feature also aired on Monday, February 22.
The Facebook page “Well Wishes for our Friend Kevin Pearce” continues to amass fans. There were 40,442 supporters of Kevin at the time of this writing. Prayers and well-wishes from fans continue to appear on the page at the frequency of about 5 per hour. One of the most recent posts read, “Kevin My dear u r the inspiration to us all! we miss u and love u to death! get better soon!! i keep u in my prayers and u have inspired me to learn how to snowboard!!! once i do the first thing i will get is the I ride 4 Kevin to put on me and my board!!! Kevin we all know u will b back on ur board as soon as possible and i cant wait!” Excessive exclamation points and text message grammar notwithstanding, it is evident that thousands of people want Kevin healed and back out on the slopes.
We will continue to report on Kevin’s progress toward a full recovery as more information becomes available.
References:
NBC Nightly News. (February 18, 2010) “Kevin Pearce on NBC Nightly News.” Retrieved on February 21, 2010 from the Snow Rev Web site: http://www.snowrev.com/Videos/interviews/Kevin-Pearce-must-learn-to-walk-again
Pearce, Adam. (February 22, 2010) “Well wishes to our Friend Kevin Pearce.” Retrieved on February 22, 2010 from the Facebook Web site: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Well-Wishes-to-our-Frend-Kevin-Pearce/232366118918?ref=ts
Walker, Ian. (February 18, 2010) “Star’s top challenger watches Olympics from brain injury facility.” Retrieved on February 21, 2010 from the Vancouver Sun Web site: http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/2010wintergames/Star+challenger+watches+Olympics+from+brain+injury+facility/2580023/story.html
A study will commence at 17 hospitals around the country in the spring of 2010 to determine the effectiveness of progesterone as an emergency treatment for traumatic brain injuries. Since brain injury patients often arrive at the hospital, the FDA has regulations in place to allow doctors to perform experimental treatments on patients without getting informed consent under emergency conditions. The study, coordinated by Emory University and the University of Michigan, will involve comparing the differences between an intravenous dose of progesterone and a placebo in brain injury patients, according to the Detroit Protect Web site.
In Detroit, the study will be conducted at the Henry Ford Hospital, the Detroit Receiving Hospital, Sinai Grace Hospital, and Beaumont Hospital. Patients who arrive at one of the four hospitals within four hours of enduring a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury will be eligible to participate in the study and will receive either progesterone injections or placebos. The scientists’ goal is to determine whether or not progesterone can lessen patients’ chances of becoming disabled or dying from their brain injuries, according to a Detroit Free Press article.
The study will receive funding from the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, a division of the National Institute of Health. Traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of death and disability in children and adults under 44, according to a Henry Ford News article.
Previous studies using progesterone to treat brain injuries in animal models have proven successful in reducing the amount of brain damage suffered by the subjects. The current study will demonstrate the efficacy of the same methods in human subjects. Within a year or two, progesterone may emerge as a safe and effective treatment for reducing the severity and long-term damage associated with traumatic brain injuries.
References:
Anstett, Patricia. (February 10, 2010) “4 metro Detroit hospitals take part in brain injury study.” Retrieved on February 10, 2010 from the Free Press Web site: http://www.freep.com/article/20100210/BUSINESS06/100210029/1320/Hospitals-take-part-in-brain-injury-study
Detroit Protect Staff. (February 10, 2010) “Detroit ProTECT Trial” Retrieved on February 11, 2010 from the Detroit Protect Web site: http://www.detroitprotect.org/
Olejarz, David. (February 11, 2010) “Study Tests Using Progesterone to Treat Brain Injuries.” Retrieved on February 11, 2010 from the Henry Ford Health System Web site: http://www.henryfordhealth.org/body.cfm?id=46335&action=detail&ref=1057
The Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah, and the VA Medical Center in the Bronx, New York, have begun a long-term collaboration to study and further understand the cascade of physiological effects that take place in the bodies of spinal cord injury victims in the first 60 days after the injuries occur. Doctors will monitor the internal organs, blood, and muscles of spinal cord injury patients over two years to inspire new interventions and more effective emergency treatments.
The study’s hypothesis was summed up on Intermountain’s Web site as, “a study that’s unique, because little is known about organ system changes immediately after a spinal cord injury, called the acute phase, nor is there much research into the evolution of these abnormalities and the pathophysiology that underlies them. There are many studies about the rehabilitation phase, but not the initial acute phase,” said Mark H. Stevens, M.D., medical director of trauma services at Intermountain Medical Center.
Most research of this nature in the past has focused on spinal cord injury patients in the rehabilitative care stage of their recovery. The new study aims to gather much-needed data on the early effects the injuries exert on every part of the body. Part of the difficulty in gathering such data is due to the difficulty of enlisting injury victims in studies. Patients often arrive at the hospital disoriented and in shock, or worse, and in that state, getting informed consent can prove challenging. Family members unsure about the safety of experimental techniques have proven unlikely to grant consent to researchers while under the pressure and fear of their relative’s injury.
Doctors and researchers hope to explain the potential benefits of the study, while making sure to let patients know “it’s not some kind of magic bullet,” a Deseret News article reported. The article further noted that the greatest benefit to spinal cord injury patients will come from extra monitoring and testing.
References:
Gomez, Jeff. (January 12, 2010) “Long-Term Study at Intermountain Medical Center and New York VA Hospital, Aims to Advance Spinal Cord Injury Treatments.” Retrieved on February 12, 2010 from the Intermountain Health Care Web site: http://intermountainhealthcare.org/hospitals/imed/about/news/Pages/home.aspx?NewsID=283
Higgins, Bob. (February 8, 2010) “Top 10 Veterans’ News From Around the Country.” Retrieved on February 11, 2010 from the Veterans Today Web site: http://www.veteranstoday.com/2010/02/08/top-10-veterans-news-from-around-the-country-4/
Moore, Carrie A. (February 7, 2010) “Intermountain Medical Center helps with spinal cord injury research.” Retrieved on February 12, 2010 from the Deseret News Web site: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700008011/Spinal-cord-injury-research-at-IMC.html
The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) recently released a report asserting that adults over 65 and children under 4 years old are the most vulnerable to preventable head injuries, a Newswise article reported. Chicago neurosurgeon, Gail L. Rosseau, told Newswise that, “Many head injuries occur at one’s residence – whether it is a home or a nursing facility – and involve falling and bumping one’s head, resulting in mild concussions to severe and even fatal TBIs.” Rosseau is also an outspoken spokesperson for the AANS.
The Newswise article went on to report that traumatic brain injuries make up almost half of fatalities related to falling down, and in children under 4, traumatic brain injuries are the “primary cause of fall-related death and severe injury.” The statistics are staggering. In 2008, over 8 million Americans endured accidental falls, many of them enduring head injuries in the process.
The AANS’s mission statement reads, “The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) is the organization that speaks for all of neurosurgery. The AANS is dedicated to advancing the specialty of neurological surgery in order to promote the highest quality of patient care.” In pursuit of this mission, the AANS has collected data on the most common household products associated with falls accompanied by head injuries.
The top 5 out of 20 home-related products contributing to the highest number of head injuries listed on the Newswise article read as follows, “Floors or Flooring Materials: 297,961; Stairs or Steps: 137,176; Beds or Bedframes (other or not specified): 116,405; Tables (not classified elsewhere): 75,805 •Ceilings and Walls (completed structure): 68,453.”
The AANS went on to offer a list of comprehensive tips for helping to prevent falling accidents and subsequent brain injuries. Some of the most obvious of the tips included removing clutter, toys, and electrical cords from off the floor of walking areas; discarding recalled products, and using slip-resistant rugs and floor mats. Outside the home, the article suggested removing ice and snow, removing debris, and storing tools and equipment properly.
For further information, click here to visit the AANS Web site.
References:
American Association of Neurological Surgeons. (February 9, 2010) “Older Adults and Babies Most Vulnerable to Preventable Head Injuries Suffered at Home.” Retrieved on February 12, 2010 from the Newswise Web site: http://www.newswise.com/articles/older-people-and-babies-most-vulnerable-to-preventable-head-injuries-suffered-at-home3
AANS. (February 12, 2010) “American Association of Neurological Surgeons Mission Statement.” Retrieved on February 12, 2010 from the AANS Web site: http://aans.org/about/
The future of spinal cord injury treatment will most likely include injection or implantation of stem cells in countries where such therapy is legal and available. A recently concluded study conducted by researchers with the company Histostem demonstrated the efficacy of using stem cells to treat acute spinal cord injuries in dogs, according to a CNN article.
Previous research on using stem cells for spinal cord injuries focused on rat models. The current study made use of dogs, which have a spinal cord much more similar to humans. Dr. Hoon Han, President and Founder of Histostem, in conjunction with Konkuk University’s Departments of Veterinary Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy in Seoul, Korea “presented a method for the percutaneous transplantation of stem cells and investigated the therapeutic efficacy of transplanting stem cells to improve the recovery of the central nervous system following such acute spinal cord injury,” according to CNN.
The dogs that received the novel stem cell treatment, which made use of Multipotent Stem Cells (MSC) derived from blood taken from human umbilical cords, “exhibited gradual improvement in hind limb locomotion two to three weeks after the transplant and also demonstrated reduced cyst and injury size,” CNN reported.
The scientists involved in the study expressed excitement that the treatment would likely translate to human patients. The study, published in the December 2009 issue of the Journal of Neurosurgery, accomplished another potent step toward making stem cell transplantation a viable and effective treatment option for acute spinal cord injury survivors.
Dr. Han told CNN, “Based on the successful results of this study and because of the canine spinal cord’s resemblance to a human spinal cord, we are optimistic that this technique has many potential applications in the treatment of human spinal cord injury through stem cell transplantation.” In a relatively short time, research into human models might prove to accomplish a quantum leap in spinal cord injury treatment.
References:
Garza, M.E. (February 9, 2010) “Updates for PPD (Nasdaw:PPDI), Repros Therapeutics (Nasdaq:RPRX), Stem Cell Therapy (OTC:SCII)” Retrieved on February 12, 2010 from the American Chronicle Web site: http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/140756
Stark, David. (February 8, 2010) “Histostem Participates in Successful Stem Cell Treatment for Acute Spinal Cord Injury in Dogs.” Retrieved on February 12, 2010 from the CNN Money Web site: http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/marketwire/0584868.htm
On February 4, 2010, Bear Mountain Ski Area in Big Bear Lake, California played host to the Life Rolls On organizations 2nd annual They Will Ski Again event. Individuals with spinal cord injuries enjoyed a full day of skiing and specialized instruction by adaptive ski instructors employed by Bear Mountain. The They Will Ski Again event was first organized to demonstrate the vast athletic possibilities available to spinal cord injury survivors, according to a Surfline article.
The Life Rolls On organization prides itself on providing adaptive instruction and experiences in skiing, snowboarding, and surfing for spinal cord injury survivors. The Program Director of the group, Meghan Schinderle, said, “We are thrilled to once again adapt snowboarding and skiing for our incredible participants who are eager and ready to hit the slopes, some, for the very first time since their injury,” according to a press release.
Previously, Life Rolls On hosted its signature event for surfers, They Will Surf Again. The event empowered paraplegics and quadriplegics to “experience the joy of catching a wave with the assistance of adaptive equipment and dedicated volunteers,” the press release noted. Through the work of Life Rolls On, experienced and newbie skiers, snowboarders, and surfers have enjoyed a return to the slopes and the waves, in spite of their seemingly debilitating injuries.
The Life Rolls On Foundation is a non-profit organization created as a division of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. Their mission is “to be a resource that provides hope and is an advocate on behalf of young people whose lives have been affected by spinal cord injury (SCI). LRO utilizes action sports to push the boundary of possibility for those with SCI,” according to the Life Rolls On Web site.
The groundbreaking organization displays a list of scores of individuals they have empowered, with a background story for each of them. The LRO areas of focus are: “1. The They Will Surf Again and They Will Ski Again events; 2. Injury Outreach and Being a Resource; and 3. Education, Motivation, and Awareness. We congratulate the LRO foundation and the SCI survivors who have found empowerment on the waves and slopes.
References:
Life Rolls On Foundation. (February 12, 2010) “Who Is LRO?” Retrieved on February 12, 2010 from the Life Rolls On Foundation Web site: http://www.liferollson.org/site/pp.asp?c=egLLKTNJE&b=932743
Press Release. (February 3, 2010) “Life Rolls On Hosts 2nd Annual They Will Ski Again at Bear Mountain.” Retrived on February 12, 2010 from the Surfline Web site: http://www.surfline.com/surf-news/press-release/life-rolls-on-hosts-2nd-annual-they-will-ski-again-at-bear-mountain_40760/
As the NFL begins to reverse its stance on the seriousness of concussions – also known as traumatic brain injuries – the difficult experiences of afflicted players and their families have witnessed an increase in media and legal attention. Garrett Webster, son of Pittsburgh’s football great Mike Webster, has become an outspoken advocate for brain injury research, changes in legislation, and new approaches to concussions in the NFL, a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review article reported.
Garrett said he still enjoys watching football, and even loves seeing players take devastating blows during the game. He told the Tribune-Review, “We’re not trying to take that out of the game. We don’t want to change the game. We don’t want to eliminate football.” What Garrett does want is for players to receive proper care, acknowledgment, and compensation when they suffer from concussions and the long-term effects associated with sustaining multiple head injuries.
Garrett and his family won a lawsuit against the NFL in 2005 and received over a million dollars in damages and disability benefits for the suffering his father went through after a hard-hitting 17-season football career. In a video interview, Garrett told reporters that his father once asked him to use a Taser to knock him unconscious so he could have a few moments free of the pain and suffering in his head. Other times, Garrett said, his father suffered from dementia and could not find his way home.
If Garrett has his way, television announcers will no longer glorify violence during NFL games and players, coaches, and fans alike will take concussions and head injuries far more seriously than they currently do. He told the Tribune-Review, “I’d rather have my dad alive and him be considered a pansy than to have him dead and considered an Iron Man. I understand announcers would rather hype it up when there’s a big hit… but they don’t have to replay it 15 times and talk about what a bad-ass someone is.”
References:
Gorman, Kevin. (February 7, 2010) “Gorman: Focusing on the brains in big game.” Retrieved on February 11, 2010 from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Web site: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_666069.html
Isaacson, Melissa. (February 10, 2010) “Processing the aftereffects.” Retrieved February 10, 2010 from the ESPN Sports Web site: http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/columns/story?columnist=isaacson_melissa&id=4903185
WTOV9 News Staff. (February 8, 2010) “News9 Special Assignment: The Brain Vs. The Game.” Retrieved on February 11, 2010 from the WTOV9 News Web site: http://www.wtov9.com/news/22477179/detail.html
