P A T I E N T E X P E R I E N C E – A T A X I A

NAME: David Robert Blair

COUNTRY: Scotland (Campbeltown)

AGE: 33

DIAGNOSIS: Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1, diagnosed in April 1998.

REASON FOR COMING FOR TREATMENT: The patient hoped to improve his balance, mobility and coordination, and ultimately to be able to play football with his children. He also hoped to improve his speech.

TREATMENT: Umbilical Cord Stem Cell and Nerve Growth Factor Injections with Rehabilitation Therapy

START OF TREATMENT: March 5, 2007

FULL LENGTH VIDEO: (Youtube)

BEFORE THE TREATMENT:

See videos: Before1, Before2
Severe coordination problems had inhibited the patient's ability to walk, among many other commonplace activities. The videos 'Before' show David having clear difficulty touching his nose with his eyes closed, especially when using his left hand. He could only stand up for a short time without support, an activity that required concentration. He had difficulty walking heel-to-toe on flat surfaces, and could not walk up or down stairs without using a handrail. He had slurred speech when tired. He could flex his fingers and grip objects, but he could not hold things steadily.

AFTER THE TREATMENT:

The patient’s balance and coordination improved significantly. As documented in the video series 'After', he can now stand up straight without support for significantly longer periods. Pronounced improvements occured in his coordination; touching his nose appears far less difficult, and in one physiotherapy session he is filmed playing catch while balancing on a mobile platform. He is able to walk more steadily on flat surfaces, and regained the ability to walk up and down stairs (including sideways), an action he later reported as being, "The first time in seven years." In the series of interviews with the patient's wife, she declares his speech as improved, specifically referring to a reduction in slurring when he is tired. She describes his regaining the ability to pour himself a glass of water, to tie his shoelaces and to write more congruently as evidence of his increased coordination, some of the many improvements that have led to his increased self confidence.

VIDEOS:

March 7th: Standing

March 9th: Stairs, Balance, Walking

March 13th: Coordination

March 14th: Balance

March 15th: Stairs

March 21st: Balance

March 23rd: Stairs

April 2nd: Coordination

April 3rd: Stairs, Walking

INTERVIEWS:

Interviews with David and his wife Karen, recorded after the treatment:

Improvements:
David, Karen1, Karen2

About the hospital:
David

PHOTOS: