The challenges that a pediatric stroke survivor may face can vary greatly. With his history of seizures, we felt safer being able to monitor him closely.
Mirror therapy for stroke is gaining attention in the rehab field. We explain what it is, what evidence supports its use, and how it works.
Psychology Definition of Cognitive Exercises After a Stroke: What is a Stroke?
Assessment of Pusher Behavior with Burke Lateropulsion Scale (BLS) to identify positions that produce Pusher Behaviors (i.e. Supine, Sitting, Standing). This will help drive interventions and under…
Kids use visual perceptual skills to understand what they see in the environment. Visual perception is needed for writing, reading, and copying from the board. There are many different ways to work on visual perceptual skills. Visual perceptual worksheets can be fun way for kids to improve visual perception. As a special thank you to my readers, I am providing these free visual perceptual worksheets! For free visual perceptual worksheets, click on the following links: http://drannezachry.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Visual-Perception-Sheets_Shape.pdf http://drannezachry.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/VP_DC.pdf http://drannezachry.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Visual-Closure.pdf http://drannezachry.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Arrow-Worksheet.pdf Click HERE for more free worksheets!!!
Find video of mirror therapy at the end of this article Most recovery from stroke requires neuroplastic "rewiring" of the brain. Forging neuroplastic change in the cortex, the outer shell of the brain where much of neuroplastic action takes place, involves an incredible amount of effort on the part of the stroke survivor. It also takes time and resources dedicated to that effort. There are, however, recovery options that stroke survivors can use that to not burn through a lot of resources. These recovery options can be added as a simple and effective adjunct to traditional therapy. One example of such a recovery option is mirror therapy. Much research remains to be done to fully prove efficacy of mirror therapy. But for some stroke survivors mirror therapy appears to be a promising and effective option for reestablishing cortical control over wayward limbs. Mirror therapy · requires very little training · survivors with very little movement can do it · is easy to set up · is not taxing to the patient Mirror therapy for the upper extremity. The stroke survivor is seated. A mirror is aligned to intersect with the patient's body in the sagittal plane at chest level. This is usually done by placing the mirror on a table with the hands resting on the table on either side of the mirror. The reflective part of the mirror faces the unaffected side. As the patient looks into the mirror, all they see is the unaffected side. The mirror blocks the view of the unaffected side of the body. The patient gazes into the mirror reflecting the "good" hand. When the "good" hand is moved the mirror gives the illusion that the "bad" hand is moving perfectly well. Often, a "mirror box"—usually about twice the size of a shoebox—is used. On one outside surface of the box is a mirror, which faces the unaffected side. The patient places the affected hand in the box so it is covered on all sides. The stroke survivor attempts to copy the movement of the “good” arm and hand with the hemiparetic arm. In other words, the movements are done symmetrically, like conducting an orchestra. However, the stroke survivor only sees the reflection of the good hand. Mirror therapy for the lower extremity. The stroke survivor can be either in long sitting on a plinth or seated on a chair. The advantage of the plinth is that the lower extremity is more easily viewed. The advantage of the chair is that it may be more comfortable for some patients. In either case, a mirror is placed the between the patient's legs to intersect patient's body in the sagittal plane. As with the upper extremity, the mirror is facing the unaffected side. The patient is instructed to plantar and dorsiflex the unaffected side ankle, and at the same time attempting to do the same movement with the unaffected side. The speed of the movement is self-selected. Dosage. For both the upper and lower extremity the dosage is 30 minutes a day, five days a week for four weeks. How and why does it work? There are two explanations for why mirror therapy seems to show efficacy in clinical research. The first is technical. The second explanation is better suited for patients who are less interested in the science and more interested in efficacy. The scientific basis seems to be in what is activated when we are presented with the illusion of seeing both limbs when, in reality, we are only seeing one. Transcranial magnetic stimulation studies with mirror therapy reveal something remarkable; when the left hand is moving the left motor cortex is excited, and vice versa. Normally, of course, when the left hand moves, the motor cortex on the right side is activated. So if the stroke survivor has right-sided hemiparesis, viewing the "false” right hand in the mirror will activate the portion of the brain that controls the hemiparetic hand. If the stroke survivor is trying to activate the motor cortex for the affected side limb, research suggests that mirror therapy can be used to initiate that activation. The simple explanation. But just like any other neuroplasticity-driving treatment option, it is primarily through the effort of the stroke survivor that rewiring takes place. For that reason it is essential that stroke survivors are educated on what works and how it works. Stroke survivors need to know why they're doing what they're doing in order to have them on board for the process. The challenge of making things scientifically accurate and easy-to-understand is essential to any patient education. Mirror therapy is no exception. The following can be used to describe the essence of mirror therapy to patients considering this option: · The reflection of the good arm superimposes normal sensory signals on the brain. · Mirror therapy provides proper visual input because the reflection helps them think that their affected arm is moving correctly. · The reflection, perceived to be accurate movement is thought to reorganize the way the brain is wired. · This fooling of the brain stimulates the brain to help with control of limb movement. Here is a vid that will give you a general idea of how it works. I would suggest that the skill this therapist is suggesting (handwriting) may not be the best for this patient for 2 reasons: 1. Handwriting is a skill usually only done by the dominant hand. This patient cannot adequately perform handwriting with his non-dominant hand. So his left hand may not be the best teacher. This patient would probably be better served by working on something that the left hand can do flawlessly and that the right hand can learn from. 2. What movement should be chosen? I would suggest working on whatever movement the "bad" hand is on the cusp of doing. So if the survivor is on the cusp of opening the hand, work on that. Simple, basic movements seem to work best.
Teachers got a challenge. They wanna help tiny kids get better at writing, but doing it fun way. Worksheets could help, but where to find the right ones? Gotta create some that are perfect for little hands to practice.We got you covered for developing pre-writing skills.
Unilateral neglect is a common effect of strokes. It goes by many different names. Learn the current evidence-based OT interventions to help
Author- Kathy Martin Hi, I am Kathy. I manage the Brooks Clubhouse at Brooks Rehabilitation. At the Clubhouse, we are always looking for new ways to improve function and continue recovery while …
Weighted pencils can be beneficial for students who do not press hard enough when writing or for students who have poor body awareness and need additional proprioceptive input to increase awareness of their hand. If you've ever taken a look at a therapy catalog, then you are aware of how expensive simple items like a weighted pencil can be. Here's an easy and inexpensive way to make a weighted pencil or crayon on your own. What you need: a pencil (or crayon) two rubber bands some hex nuts Just wrap the rubber band around the pencil to prevent the hex nuts from falling off. Then place the hex nuts on the pencil to create the desired weight. Wrap another rubber band around the pencil at the end of the hex nuts. To find the correct size of hex nut, I recommend just taking a pencil to a home improvement store and to see which size fits best. Now you have a weighted pencil! You can also use this method to create weighted crayons or markers
Recovering your arm and shoulder movement after a stroke can be challenging. If you can't easily grasp and release objects, move your arms forward, or use your arms to support your weight or you’re just starting your recovery with a Saebo solution, it's important to incorporate helpful shoulder exercises for stroke rec
I followed and shaped Pete's rehabilitative journey, following a stroke. He engaged with evidence-based constraint induced movement therapy.
Embarking on a career in pediatric occupational therapy, especially for those transitioning from an adult setting, often brings with it the challenge of crafting effective and occupation-based goal…
Do you ever struggle with teaching a child how to stay within the lines when coloring? Coloring inside the lines can be a tough skill to teach, especially if the child has visual motor or perceptual challenges. One technique that I've found to be helpful is to provide a tactile "cue". Just take some clear Elmer's glue or a hot glue gun and outline the edges of the picture. This provides a nice tactile "ridge" that the crayon will "bump" against when the child is coloring. I've found that it is also helpful to glue the coloring picture to a poster board to keep the child from ripping the paper while coloring. I also like to teach the child how to color in small circular strokes rather than using large back and forth strokes, as this gives them more control. First I demonstrate how to do this, then I move them through the motions with "hand-over-hand" guidance, then I let them give it a try with verbal and gestural prompts. This takes a lot of practice, but they eventually get it!
Idiopathic toe walking is when your child continues to walk on their tip toes beyond three years of age. Learn stretches and strengthening exercises, and about proper shoes to help your child.
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PRAIRIE DU SAC — More than 795,000 adults living in the U.S. have a stroke each year. In 130,000 cases, the stroke is fatal, according to the Centers for Disease
Aimee Wagner, OT sees every diagnosis that comes through her therapy department and works across inpatient, outpatient and home health settings. Aimee sees a lot of CVA/stroke patients, but even…
With stroke patients a multidisciplinary approach is necessary for ongoing recovery. Ensure PT, OT, SLP, and nursing are involved in the patient’s care.
These handwriting stroke cards will help your little ones learn the handwriting strokes used in the Handwriting Without Tears program. This packet includes all Upper Case letters (A-Z) and numerals (0-9). Use them as a handwriting helping tool. Your little ones can color the letter in the appropria...
Left neglect can strike after a right-sided stroke. What you need to know about visual attention, how to test for it, & evidence-based treatment activities.
Hand and finger strength are important for daily life activities. Play with putty can help your child develop important fine motor skills.
Looking for occupational therapy activities using free or household materials? This list of OT activities supports development of OT goals.
Discover foot drop exercises for all ability levels, along with modifications. Plus, learn how to supplement these drop foot exercises.
Many stroke survivors experience shoulder problems after stroke. Practicing shoulder exercises for stroke patients can help relieve pain and improve movement and strength of the shoulder joint. These improvements can help survivors return to completing their daily activities comfortably and independently. Both physical and occupational therapists are able to treat shoulder impairments and can guide […]
Finding good occupational therapy exercises to print can be tricky. Often, theyre too general or not quite right for specific needs. Patients need these exercises to improve, but getting them in an easy-to-use format that they can take home and practice is important.
The theraputty programme is for children who have fine motor difficulties and have poor postural motor control.
