Skip to main content

Neuro Note 3: Cerebral Palsy

Since beginning OT school, the field of assistive and adaptive technology, along with the development of numerous creative softwares, has continually amazed me. I am in awe of the ways people work to bring independence and unique opportunities to the lives of individuals with disabilities. There truly is nothing like witnessing someone  use their technology to showcase unique abilities and talent. The Ted  Talk linked below features a young man with Cerebral Palsy who uses technology to create and develop music.
https://www.ted.com/talks/tod_machover_dan_ellsey_inventing_instruments_that_unlock_new_music#t-551473

Cerebral Palsy is caused by an abnormality or injury during brain development, and usually occurs in children before birth. CP can affect the whole body, or only partial limbs and can include the following symptoms:
  • High or low muscle tone
  • Spasticity
  • Ataxia, which we have learned in class, means problems with movement and coordination 
  • Rigidity 
  • Involuntary movement 
  • Tremors
  • Developmental delays
  • Excessive drooling
  • Problems swallowing, eating and/or sucking, as well as speaking
  • Seizures

While the causes of CP can vary, some of the most common include lack of oxygen to the brain, infections during infancy or pregnancy, TBI’s, and fetal strokes.

See the link here to learn more facts about Cerebral Palsy.  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cerebral-palsy/symptoms-causes/syc-20353999

While some symptoms may range from mild to severe, the impact it has on one’s ability to perform a variety of ADL’s is quite large. The sad truth is that it’s so very common for one to look at an individual and focus on the things they can and can’t do. The happy truth is there are brilliant people out there that make the “impossible” a reality through new technology. This is exactly what the creator of Hyperscore accomplished for the inspiring Ted Talk guest, Dan Ellsey.

Hyperscore is a computer program operated by touch, drawing, or in Dan’s case, a head-mounted interface, to create and perform unique musical pieces. This software allows Dan to be independent, and provides a creative outlet for him to express himself. I believe this encompasses so much of what OT is all about because it provides a holistic therapy approach.
https://opera.media.mit.edu/projects/hyperscore.html

To see the way Hyperscore works for people who have no music background is one thing, but to watch Dan operate the program with such ease and enjoyment is a completely separate experience, one that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and inspire you to look at things and people differently. The world of OT is ever evolving due to the development of new technology. I have no doubt that music can play a huge role in bringing joy to one’s life. Grading activities and finding the “just right challenge” can only be done through creativity and having an open mind. Although I still have much to learn about this software, as well as the ways it could be incorporated into an intervention, I could not be more proud to be pursuing a career that allows me to think outside the box in ways such as this.

I hope this video inspires you as much as it did me!!!



References 

Cerebral palsy. (2019, August 17). Retrieved July 29, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cerebral-palsy/symptoms-causes/syc-20353999

Ellsey, T. (2008, March). Inventing instruments that unlock new music. Retrieved July 29, 2020, from https://www.ted.com/talks/tod_machover_dan_ellsey_inventing_instruments_that_unlock_new_music

Farbood, M., & Pasztor, E. (n.d.). Hyperscore. Retrieved July 29, 2020, from https://opera.media.mit.edu/projects/hyperscore.html




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Man Down South

After reading the short story, we are encouraged to think of what a life would be like if someone lost one, or multiple, fingers. In the story “Man Down South”, a soldier is willing to bet losing one of his fingers. If this character had lost the bet, he would have an extremely difficult time completing his occupations. For example, activities for a soldier such as holding/grasping a gun or weapon, carrying equipment, exercising, and simply putting on gear might have proven to be extremely taxing, if not impossible, without the use of some adaptive equipment. As for the woman at the end of the story, it is clear that she has lost all but two of her fingers and now has to have her hair washed by someone else, indicating she has lost function of an essential ADL. We can assume she has lost the capability to perform many of her other occupations with ease including being able to drive with both hands, opening certain packaging, writing, and/or fixing her hair. Adaptive equipment such as...
2 comments
Read more

History Gives Power to the Present

History of Occupational Therapy In order to fully understand and connect with an individual, you must first be able to appreciate and understand their past. Having knowledge about the past can help one fully understand the power of the present. On Monday, January 27th, we had Dr. Keisling come to our class and explain the history of individuals with disabilities, as well as the way legislation has, and continues to, shape their lives in the community, education system, and workforce. I was heartbroken as I heard Dr. Keisling explain the 20th century outlook on individuals with disabilities. The labels surrounding this population included terms such as criminals, weak, and insane. The negative outlook on people with disabilities led to involuntary sterilizations and institutional facilities across the Unites States, most of which did not provide safe and appropriate housing, nonetheless adequate healthcare. As the lecture moved along, we began seeing change, specifically with healthc...
1 comment
Read more

Transfers

The term “mobility” is defined as having controlled instability. The order in which we are able to restore confidence in mobility based on increasing activity demands is as follows: Bed mobility, mat transfers, wheelchair transfers, bed transfers, functional ambulation for ADL’s, toilet and tub transfers, car transfer, functional ambulation, and community mobility and driving. I do believe this is a logical order once you begin to examine what an individual must do, and is able to do, in order to perform certain tasks. For example, we wouldn’t want to begin working with a patient getting out of their car when they cannot even get out of their bed safely. I do believe I have seen this approach used in much of my job shadowing experience, specifically when the therapist is working on getting the client out of the bed and then safely to the bathroom. Many times, the therapist would work consistently on getting the patient out of bed safely, and if they were able to do so, move on to the...
Post a Comment
Read more