Treatment Centre
Neurological Teaching CentreStephen (Ataxia)
In May 1999 I suffered a catastrophic subarachnoid brain haemorrhage as the result of an aneurysm. This was a brainstem bleed and left me semi-conscious for several months. I was admitted to Hope Hospital under the care of Mr. Leggate who saved my life and performed a number of brain operations. After many complications, clipping of the aneurysm and the fitting of two shunts, I regained consciousness and underwent a short period of physiotherapy. It was here that I first met Linzi who had chosen me as a subject on a teaching demonstration that she was performing for the therapists there.
After five months I was transferred to the rehabilitation unit at Warrington General where I was to remain for a further twelve months. During this time I underwent regular physiotherapy and learnt that the extent of my injury extended beyond the life threatening brainstem damage, and effected the cerebellum. That part of the brain which stores learnt muscle control and co-ordinates all movement. My luck finally changed when I was introduced to Catherine O'Neill. I became her patient towards the end of my stay at Warrington and, for a while, continued to be an outpatient of hers. On my discharge I was still practically bed ridden, had severe weakness to my trunk and limbs, and uncontrollable ataxia. The prognoses given was that I would not improve much and would never walk again.
Catherine was not so easily discouraged, she gave me hope when I could see none, convinced me that there was room for improvement, and continued to treat me at home for countless months. Having brought me on from nothing, I had the fortune to be introduced by her to the recently opened Manchester Neurotherapy Centre. Catherine was to become a valuable member of the team there and I was now confident that I was receiving the very best of treatment available. Manchester Neurotherapy Centre only employ specialists of the highest order and I now had the opportunity of receiving treatment from each physiotherapist on this team, all having something extra to offer. Both Lynne and Linzi are amongst the elite band of Bobath tutors. I learnt that the Bobath technique is recognised as the defacto standard for neurological injuries, Lynne being one of a select few of senior tutors. Lynne enforced on me the reality that with the right treatment there is always room for improvement and to keep on trying. With their expertise things do slowly alter, my ataxia has vastly changed for the better, my control has improved and strength gradually returns. I am given valuable advice on how to proceed at home and this is important, as the emphasis continually changes as my condition does. An important part of my treatment has now become the use of valuable equipment, which would not be available elsewhere. I have always enjoyed my sessions and find all the therapists understanding and fun to be with. I intend to continue to come here for as long as necessary.
The clinic is a centre of excellence and I have no hesitation in recommending people to it, regardless of their complaint. I am confident in the knowledge that the business will continue to grow, and that any additions to the team will be more than capable physiotherapists and will have the benefit of Lynne's guidance.
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