Many people with TBI have problems with muscle spasticity. Courtney has had this problem for about 3 weeks. In these situations muscles in the body tighten and stiffen - the muscles develop 'tone' to the point where they are difficult to stretch out. The results can lead to serious problems that need to be corrected surgically and in some cases they lead to permanent disability.
Dr. Koelbel is a pysiatrist specializing in rehabilitation with a focus on managing and ultimately eliminating spasticity and its debilitating effects. Dr. Koelbel evaluated Courtney this morning and believes the best course of treatment is the most aggressive since her spasticity is wide spread and severe. Therefore on Friday Jan. 2nd Courtney will have a trial of baclofen injected into her spine. If this trial yields positive results then Courtney will have a pump implanted in her stomach with a wire feeding the drug into his spine. This will allow the baclofen to be disbursed to the muscles quickly without the sedating effect of an oral dose of baclofen.
The surgery will take place at Boston Medical Center and it should be about a 24 hour stay.
Success rates with administering baclofen via the pump are about 85%.
We can not overstate the importance of eliminating muscle spasticity and how profoundly this effects her ability to participate in rehab. Imagine for a moment that you've just had a serious muscle pull - your hamstring - you can't walk - you're in pain. Now imagine someone telling you to lift your leg, wiggle your toes, or push your foot down. The pain and stiffness would make those tasks virtually impossible. That has been one of Courtney's challenges for nearly 3 weeks.
Although Courtney could have the trachea removed before the surgery we thought it best that they leave it in so that she would not have to be intubated during the surgery or in the event of an emergency.
We are hopeful that alot will happen after the surgery - trachea removed - by which time she'll be swallowing better and then she can get moving for real! We are very hopeful that this will facilitate progress for Courtney.
We'll let you all know about the test dose on the 2nd and the date of surgery. She will only be away from Braintree for one night - God willing!
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We will continue to pray - we saw some friends of friends tonight who had heard about Courtney's accident and were asking how she was doing. They have been praying right along for her and a few others asked what happened and said they would pray for her. Stay strong - you have many people supporting you. Many children tomorrow morning will have a "Courtney Bear" God certainly made Courtney special as she continues to touch so many lives.
Love - The Murphys
Dear Craig and Diane,
I have been following Courtney's road to recovery from almost the beginning. I keep all of you in my daily thoughts and prayers.
Courtney's spunk and spirit will continue to move her forward on this journey. Your love and devotion will be at her back propelling her to get better.
May God continue to bless all of you on this Christmas Day.
Deb Motta
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