Collaborative stroke research study in January 2012 Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation shows bedside clinical evaluation can detect spatial neglect, a common disabling cognitive disorder that impedes recovery for 30 to 50% of stroke survivors.

West Orange, NJ. January 3, 2012. Researchers at Kessler Foundation and Seton Hall University report findings in the early diagnosis of acute spatial neglect, a hidden disability that is a common complication of stroke. In the weeks after stroke, 30-50% of stroke survivors cannot reliably report or respond to external events that take place in the space opposite the side of their brain injury. Called spatial neglect, this disorder is a problem with attention and action rather than vision. Often overlooked, it is associated with accidents, falls, safety problems and functional disability that impedes recovery.

According to Anna Barrett, MD, director of Stroke Rehabilitation Research at Kessler Foundation, this study is unique in its focus on patients in the acute phase. “Early detection of spatial neglect after stroke could enable cognitive interventions to improve function, and might prevent chronic disability,” explained Dr. Barrett. “Spatial neglect is often thought of as a visual problem, but it critically impairs action and movement.”

While the impact of weakness and paralysis are well recognized, the effects of hidden disabilities like spatial neglect are underestimated. “Spatial neglect doubles or triples the disability a stroke survivor with paralysis experiences,” said Dr. Barrett, ” and could make the difference between chronic dependence and successful return to work and life. That is why it is important to diagnosis early and include cognitive interventions in the rehabilitation plan.”

The study is unique in looking at correlations between laboratory tools and the bedside tools clinicians use to diagnose spatial-motor dysfunction. Investigators studied 51 consecutive inpatients with right brain stroke and left neglect, within a mean 22.3 days post-stroke. Each was evaluated with laboratory measures of perceptual-attentional and motor-intentional deficits and 2 bedside measures– the Behavioral Inattention Test (BIT)-conventional and the Catherine Bergego scale (CBS).

Researchers determined that these psychometric assessments may be used to identify specific motor-exploratory deficits in spatial neglect. Specifically, obtaining CBS-ME scores routinely might improve the detection of spatial action deficits so that clinicians can implement appropriate care and safety interventions. Without specific cognitive rehabilitation, spatial-action deficits may persist and cause chronic disability. “Much effort goes into hi-tech approaches,” commented Dr. Barrett. “This study, however, shows that clinical tools can be optimized for the bedside, to identify patients who need targeted management and therapy.”

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Kessler Foundation. “Advances In Early Diagnosis Of Spatial Neglect Following Stroke.” Medical News Today. MediLexicon, Intl., 4 Jan. 2012. Web.
5 Jan. 2012. <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/239849.php>

Last week while the APTA was in New Orleans, leaders had the opportunity to participate in a service project working with Habitat for Humanity in the 9^th Ward.  APTA put together a video of the project and two of our wonderful SA leaders – Katherine Baucom and Alison Seger of Sheltering Arms – are interviewed in the video.

Sheltering Arms is partnering with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to be the presenting sponsor of Walk MS for Central Virginia.   The National Multiple Sclerosis Society Central Virginia Chapter is part of a national organization dedicated to doing something about MS now—to move together toward a world free of multiple sclerosis. MS can stop people from moving. The National MS Society exists to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Sheltering Arms and the MS Society address the challenges of living with MS. Sheltering Arms Rehabilitation Centers utilize the latest technology and rehabilitation services to help those living with MS find the Power to Overcome.  The MS Society helps people affected by MS by funding cutting-edge research, driving change through advocacy, facilitating professional education, and providing programs and services that help people with MS and their families move their lives forward.

Please join Sheltering Arms in raising funds to fight Multiple Sclerosis by pledging your support to the MS Walk on Saturday, March 26, 2011. You can also join Sheltering Arms at the MS Walk by joining or starting a walk a team, cheering on the crowd, or even volunteering at the event.

For more information go to: http://walkvar.nationalmssociety.org

Despite being more than 120-years-old, Sheltering Arms is always learning new things!  Join us over at Twitter, on our brand new account!

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On Thursday, January 21st, The Sheltering Arms Hospital accomplished something that few healthcare organizations are able to do – a Disease-Specific Care Certification in Stroke Rehabilitation through The Joint Commission with no requirements for improvement!

This certification and Gold Seal of Approval™ from The Joint Commission means that Sheltering Arms’ Stroke Rehab program complies with the highest national standards for safety and quality of care.

We are very proud to share news of this designation, which signifies our organization’s dedication to clinical excellence and reinforces that Sheltering Arms continues to be the #1 choice for physical rehabilitation in Central Virginia.

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission accredits and certifies health care organizations and programs throughout the United States. Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards.

Welcome to the all new Sheltering Arms Blog!  You’ll find a variety of things posted here, including news releases, event information, and updates on Sheltering Arms technology.  We’ll also post videos, audio, and slideshows from Sheltering Arms events.  We hope you’ll take the time to check back with us, as with all of the things going on at Sheltering Arms, this blog is sure to fill up quickly!  You can also receive the latest information as its posted by subscribing to our RSS feed.

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