sOcial buTterfly

     For my Neuro Note assignment, I chose to watch a short documentary about Sophia Malthus, a twenty-year-old woman who suffered a C4-C5 spinal cord injury after being thrown from her horse. I chose to learn more about Sophia's journey to deepen my understanding of SCI, but also because she seemed relatable to me as a young woman. Before her accident, Sophia aspired to be a jockey and worked tirelessly with horses. Before coming to OT school, I worked for one year in hippo therapy, and met many volunteers who loved horses and many clients who benefitted from therapeutic riding. Below are some of my take-aways from this inspirational video and the resource and link that can be used for others to watch as well.  After her injury, Sophia was categorized as a level A on the ASIA Impairment Scale, the most devastating rating that someone with an SCI can receive. Sophia also experienced complete tetraplegia below her injury-site, causing all neuronal messaging below her ...

For my second Neuro Note assignment, I chose to listen to a podcast titled, Unilateral Neglect , by occupational therapists, Jessica Kersey and Natalie Barnes. The podcast gave insight into what unilateral neglect is, how it affects occupations, and how occupational therapists can help clients overcome the difficulties associated with unilateral neglect after stroke. I decided to dive deeper into this topic for a few reasons: (1) I recently participated in my first simulation experience via Telehealth with a patient who suffered from unilateral neglect post-stroke, (2) a family friend (of a friend) in his early 50's was impacted by a massive stroke 2 weeks ago, so I am currently following along with his journey on social media, and (3) stroke and unilateral neglect are topics covered on my upcoming Neuro-Aspects exam. Below is my take-away from the podcast, as well as the reference for others to listen and learn along with me, if interested.  Jess and Natalie defined unilateral n...

For my first Neuro Note assignment, I chose to watch "What you can do to prevent Alzheimer's," a TED Talk by Lisa Genova. I chose to learn more about this topic because the incidence and prevalence of Alzheimer's seems to be steadily climbing. In high school, I frequently visited by great-grandmother who suffered from a stroke, and later, an Alzheimer's diagnosis. In college, I read a book called,  Sum It Up , by famous basketball coach, Pat Summit. In the book, Summit painted a beautiful picture of her life and her battle with early-onset Alzheimer's. Both my grandmother and Pat  lost some memories and information that their brain had once had readily on hand, but neither lost their emotion-- their ability to feel love, joy, and excitement. Lisa Genova acknowledges this phenomenon by saying, "You are more than what you can remember." I recommend her TED Talk to others who want to learn more about the etiology of Alzheimer's and practical ways to...