Did the Work. Earned the Rest.
In support of
Chelsea Brem and Family
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Chelsea Brem and Family
Today was a full day of therapy, with a lot of focused work spread across the day starting at 8:30am and ending late this afternoon. Our longest and most intensive day yet!
Chelsea worked on balance in the hallway with PT, including walking forward, backward, and sideways, both with and without added challenges like throwing a ball. She also practiced balance and coordination in the gym by stepping on and over a beam.
Speech completed aphasia and alexia screening. Therapy included reading tasks, matching letters and numbers, writing words, identifying and correcting errors, and repeating tasks to reinforce accuracy. Pattern work was also incorporated.
OT focused on fine motor skills and coordination. Chelsea worked on identifying colors while completing St. Patrick’s Day worksheets, staying within the lines, and signing and dating each sheet.
Chelsea completed another neuropsychology evaluation this afternoon. The doctor noted challenges with working memory, language, and learning that are consistent with her injury. They also observed areas of strength, including planning skills, and noted improvement in some areas during the evaluation. She has limited facial expression at times but don’t worry, she’s been pretty consistently giving Dad eye rolls when he’s telling his dad jokes! Recommendations from the neuropsychologist included allowing extra time, using cues or hints when needed, and double checking yes/no responses for accuracy. Repeat testing is planned in 1–1.5 weeks, with continued outpatient follow up for 3 to 6 months after she is eventually discharged.
Chelsea completed another neuropsychology evaluation this afternoon. The doctor noted challenges with working memory, language, and learning that are consistent with her injury. They also observed areas of strength, including planning skills, and noted improvement in some areas during the evaluation. She has limited facial expression at times but don’t worry, she’s been pretty consistently giving Dad eye rolls when he’s telling his dad jokes! Recommendations from the neuropsychologist included allowing extra time, using cues or hints when needed, and double checking yes/no responses for accuracy. Repeat testing is planned in 1–1.5 weeks, with continued outpatient follow up for 3 to 6 months after she is eventually discharged.
Chelsea participated in recreational therapy by playing the game Headbanz as part of therapeutic activity to increase communication skills including gestures and vocabulary retrieval. She might not openly admit it, but she had fun!
Chelsea also completed a vestibular therapy evaluation. This included assessing balance, coordination, visual tracking, and her response to movement and position changes. The results of this evaluation will help guide future daily therapy focused on balance, stability, and functional mobility related to her vertigo.
As we move through this stage of recovery, Chelsea’s care team has continued to emphasize how important rest is for healing from a severe traumatic brain injury. Therapy sessions require significant physical and cognitive energy, and quiet, low stimulation time helps support recovery and prevent overload. Based on their guidance, we are being mindful about limiting visitors and stimulation right now so Chelsea can conserve energy and focus on healing. We are grateful for the understanding, kindness, and ongoing support from everyone walking alongside us.💗
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