Week 2 has felt like we are starting to see some progress in some new and exciting areas. I think we are just now getting into a solid routine. One night, he independently moved his head from side to side repeatedly. It was very surprising and exciting to watch.

Earlier we spoke of a scale for disorders of consciousness. Shirley Ryan also uses a scale called the Coma Recovery Scale, which is a scale of 23. When Marcus was tested in early October, he scored a 5. This week they tested him again, and he scored a 9. Definitely good news.
For more information, check the link below:
https://www.sralab.org/rehabilitation-measures/coma-recovery-scale-revised
    
Here is a recap from his therapy this week:
   •    A new machine was used this week; they put him on a treadmill. A person was positioned on each side of him and helped move his legs in a walking motion. He used it three times this week, and his tolerance increased each time. The muscles aren’t firing yet, but it still helps with muscle memory.
    •    Marcus spent more time on the tilt table. He maintained great vitals at each stopping point. The therapists played YouTube videos and tested his tracking ability. He’s done minimal tracking with his eyes following the phone as it’s moved across his face.
    •    He also spent more time on the mat. He was laid down on a wedge, and they worked on arm and head mobility and flexibility.
    •    They also had him sitting at the edge of the table with his feet on the ground. He also practiced holding his head up. There was more work with him trying to roll the basketball. The therapists had him on his side and tried to get some shoulder movement. He made several slight movements, which appeared as though he was following commands.
    •    Speech therapy went much better. The therapist thought it would be good to try to get him to do some speech therapy in the middle of OT. They have a few methods they rotate through—feeding him ice chips, juice, or a lollipop. When the therapist had him tasting lollipops, she asked him to open his mouth if he wanted more. He eventually opened his mouth, and we could see his tongue working. In another session, he responded to ice chips in his mouth by crunching on them when he felt them.
    •    Marcus set a new personal record when he held his head up on his own for 51 seconds.

Last but not least, Skylar (one of Marcus’ physical therapists from Alaska Regional) was in Chicago and came by Shirley Ryan to visit him. She got to sit in on one of his occupational therapy appointments and was amazed by the facility and the progress Marcus has shown. Team Marcus greatly appreciated her visiting Marcus and checking in on him, it’s another reminder of the phenomenal support team her has behind him.