Heim, Drake, & Millar: Cerebellar Ataxia, PART 2

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OVERVIEW:

Stephen: Even as simple as cracking an egg, I cannot do it one handed, I can’t do it 2-handed any more…so, I got on Amazon and if you put in 1-handed, a whole list of items comes up and I got an egg cracker that I can put the egg in and crack it with one hand. It’s a device, a lot of people, including some very close to me have said, ‘Oh that’s just lazy.’ Like I just say, google home so I can control my lights and or set an alarm with just using my voice and you know, I hear ‘Oh get up and turn your lights off or turn your light off…’ Well that is not easy for me to do and I’m not being lazy, I’m being efficient and that is how I have structured everything from the bathroom, from driving…efficiency.

EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode of NOGGINS & NEURONS: Brain Injury Recovery Simplified, Pete and Deb continue our conversation with physical therapists Jennifer Millar and Meredith Drake from Johns Hopkins Ataxia Center in Baltimore, MD, and cerebellar stroke survivor Stephen Heim. We learn more:

• Balance Weighted Torso Training – which uses a weighted vest to improve balance. While Stephen doesn’t think it’s a miracle cure, he did feel more stable with the vest on. Jennifer and Meredith explain it in more detail, also reminding us that limb weights are not effective in treating ataxia. Motiontherapeutics.com

We hope you find value in Part 2 of our engaging conversation!

• A copy of last year’s annual meeting lectures may be found on the National Ataxia Foundation website including “Mobility and Exercise: Strategies to keep moving while sheltering in place”, as well as other lectures including home safety considerations, adaptive recreation, living and coping with ataxia. There is a treasure trove of information and resources within these lectures.

As always, we want to hear your top takeaways! Please email us at [email protected].

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