My brother had a car accident on Aug. 6th, 2014. From NMR report we saw there was severe thoracic spine fracture and dislocation in T11-T12. The doctor diagnosed him with complete SCI after the surgery that day. But on the second day and the third day after the accident we saw his toes move when he asked us to check if his toes was moving while he was trying to make a move. Now our physical therapist said my brother had deep sense: position sensation, joint sensation. Does that mean the doctor's diagnosis at first(complete SCI) is misdiagnosis? The dugs he takes everyday is Mouse nerve growth factor and ganglioside. Is there any other medicine that can help the nerve regeneration? What else we can do for him except physical therapy? He is so young and I really hope that he can walk again.
To be honest its quite possible that the original 'diagnosis' assessment was correct. Your brother now has potential to experience some improvements due to nerve regeneration for up to two years...and sometimes longer.
So his ASIA grading may well change further ...
Physiotherapy is hugely important..Encourage him to work hard and keep working hard...help keep him positive and help him to keep his spirits up. Time is the main factor in this...keep a daily journal and record daily progress because you will be surpised at the improvements he will make...Looking back over time he will see what he has achieved.
Stay well....Be sure that he has good routines in place if he has bladder and bowel issues...Urinary Tract Infections will set him back...
Pressure sore prevention too needs to be strictly adhered to because a pressure sore can put someone back in bed for months..
Turmeric and black pepper is a great anti inflammatory and is promotes healthy nerves....But to be honest...nerve regeneration is the only answer...and that all depends on his injury, how long and how severe the compression is.
Here is a link to our new injured information pack....it has everything you need to know from the onset of injury and after..
Yes of course, ive just woken so let me grab a coffee and il get on my laptop and see where you are based and il also link the info for how to prepare it
The initial complete diagnosis wasn't really a misdiagnosis but it reflected his diagnosis at that time and moment. A few days later they rediagnose him and his incomplete diagnoses reflected his diagnosed at that time. To have a positive change in such a short time is a great thing so give it a few weeks/months and you'll really start to see some big improvements!
I was initially diagnosed C5/C6 ASIA A but a few months later it was changed to C6 ASIA B due to slight recovery in sensation.
One more question, Did you take semiconductor laser irradiation after the surgery? In September, my brother took semiconductor laser irradiation once each day, 10 minutes each time, a treatment course are 20 days. We don't know if it is good for him to take another treatment course. Our doctor didn't give us any suggestion.
In the study, we started with 500mg daily, and were to titrate up to 8g (=8000mg) for 2 months, then taper to maintenance dose of 2g. I had GI distress above 4g, and had to take higher doses on full stomach. Stayed at highest dose I could tolerate, which was 6g, then tapered to 2g. I split up the doses, to maximize bioavailability. Also choose brands that include black pepper ("Bioperene") to enhance bioavailability. We were instructed to take it just prior to eating meal, with some form of lipid and warm beverage--I take my curcumin (turmeric extract) with fish oil capsule and garlic oil capsules, and drink an 8oz cup of ginger root tea (no caffeine, soothing to stomach) with it--again, to enhance bioavailability. If I am taking Vitacost brand, 2g is 2 capsules twice daily; with Swanson, it is 2 capsules am and 1 capsule pm daily. The anti-inflammatory benefit has been remarkable, but not sure if it helps specifically with nerve regeneration. But, I have had a degree of nerve healing (in my case, remyelination) truly unexpected by my doctors, and almost 6 years post-SCI still continuing! Worth a try, I think. I suggest starting with one capsule (either strength), and slowly titrating up to not more than 4g/day for 2 months, then gradually taper back to 2g/day.
Your brother is so early in his injury that predicting outcome is not possible. A lot of improvement can occur, particularly in the first two years. But never give up hope, and he is doing well to pursue physical therapy with vigor--and keep it up after rehab. This has been very important for me in maintaining muscle tone, reducing pain, improving circulation, and being hopeful for more improvement.
One more question, Did you take semiconductor laser irradiation after the surgery? In September, my brother took semiconductor laser irradiation once each day, 10 minutes each time, a treatment course are 20 days. We don't know if it is good for him to take another treatment course. Our doctor didn't give us any suggestion.
You're welcome! I've actually never heard of that, do you know what they do it for?