my aunt's alertness

[NUCIE]

My Aunt suffered a brain stem stroke February 11, 2008.  The previous NewYears' she had a brain mass removed. She really seemed great. Early on her doctor had her on blood thinner because he couldn't determine rather she was suffering fron seizures because of the mass or otherwise. Unfortunately she had a brain stem stroke after being off her blood thinner. For two weeks she was in intensive care and than she was moved to a nursing/rehabilitation center. The first nursing home was terrible. So we moved after one month. She's been receiving physical therapy since the move. We have noticed some improvements but she remains on a feeding tube although the home has indicated she has had glasses of water and successfully eaten crackers. Her alertness remains non consistent. Its as if she's sleepwalking. She can comprehend at times but often its difficult to awake her. The nursing home wants to change her status to long term care. We're concerned that she will no longer receive the necessary services toward any continuing recovery if that occurs. What should we do? Should anticipate any additional recovery at this point? It's the strangest situation. Is there any therapy you have found to be more successful? Who should we hire to help? Please help!

[DrNavneetMD]

Hello Dear,
Following is the list of some neurologists in Washington,DC Metropolitan Area-
-


United States Government: VA Medical Center

50 Irving St NW, Washington, DC 20422
[phone]
Website
- Directions
- Save to medical contacts





Hilton Gaithersburg

620 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
[phone]
Website
- Directions
- Save to medical contacts





Wyndham Washington, DC

1400 M St NW, Washington, DC 20005
[phone]
Website
- Directions
- Save to medical contacts





Dr. Louis Ziegler, DC, Fiama

Arlington, VA 22204
Website
- Directions
- Save to medical contacts





Hogan & Hartson Llp Washington DC

555 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
[phone]
Website
- Directions
- Save to medical contacts





VA Medical Center-Washington DC: Women Veterans Coordinator

50 Irving St NW, Washington, DC 20422
[phone]
Website
- Directions
- Save to medical contacts





Calvert Memorial Hospital: Main Number

100 Hospital Rd, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
[phone]
Website
- Directions
- Save to medical contacts





The George Washington University

2150 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037
[phone]
Website
- Directions
- Save to medical contacts





Epilepsy Center-Regional

325 9th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
[phone]
Website
- Directions
- Save to medical contacts





Washington University

1 Barnes Jewish Hosp Plz #3108, St Louis, MO 63110
[phone]
Website
- Directions
- Save to medical contacts








American University: Washington Semester and World Capitals Program

4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
[phone]
Website
- Directions
- Save to medical contacts





George Washington University Hospital: Main Number

900 23rd St NW, Washington, DC 20037
[phone]
Website
- Directions
- Save to medical contacts





Washington Hospital Center

110 Irving St NW, Washington, DC 20010
[phone]


Refer https://www.google.com/health/p/#ddsearch%2Fq%3DWashington%252C%2BDC%2BMetropolitan%2Barea%26cat%3DNeurology%26start%3D10

Best

[DrNavneetMD]

Hello Dear,
Please find the relevant information on the University of Maryland Outpatient Rehabilitation Services
What You Should Know About Our Different Services
• Occupational Therapy (OT)
Occupational Therapists work to restore hand and arm function following an injury and promote return to independence with daily activities (self-care, home tasks, work duties).

For more information about Occupational Therapy see:
o What is Occupational Therapy?
o Occupational Therapy Clinic Information Sheet
• Physical Therapy (PT)
Physical Therapists focus on improvement in functional activities such as standing, walking, returning to work or sports activities in addition to pain reduction following an injury.
• Speech Language Pathology (SLP)
Speech Language Pathologists offer assessment and treatment of problems with swallowing, cognition (problem solving, memory, word finding), speech and voice disorders.
• Pediatrics
Each discipline (OT, PT, SLP) provides specialized outpatient services for children from birth to age 17. OT and PT treatment focus on helping children achieve gross and fine motor milestones. SLP addresses swallowing and speech problems.

This page was last updated on: November 30, 2007.

For patient inquiries, call 1-800-492-5538 or click here to make an appointment.
For further details refer: http://www.umm.edu/outpatient_rehab/services.htm

Best

[DrNavneetMD]

Hello Dear,
Brainstem strokes are small but the most devastating The brain stem is the area of the brain that controls all of our involuntary, "life-support" functions, such as breathing rate, blood pressure and heartbeat. The brain stem also controls abilities such as eye movements, hearing, speech and swallowing
Inefficiency of the brain stem to send impulses, coordination of muscle action and control, fine movement, coordination, and balance is affected after the stroke.
You should consult your neurologist and shift her to a good rehabilitation centre as patients continue to improve for years, regaining and strengthening abilities like writing, walking, running, and talking. Daily rehabilitation exercises should continue to be part of her routine. Complete recovery is unusual but not impossible and most patients will improve to some extent : a correct diet and exercise are known to help the brain to self-recover.
Best