Neuromuscular Disease Program

Rehabilitation Process

Southwest Regional Rehabilitation Center provides a comprehensive medical rehabilitation program for persons who have been diagnosed with a neuromuscular disease. The services range from intensive inpatient treatment to specialty outpatient programs. Our goal is to return the individual to the community as quickly and with the highest level of functioning as possible. We serve patients recovering from many types of neuromuscular diseases. The most common diagnoses include: Multiple Sclerosis, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, and Post Polio Syndrome.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the brain and spinal cord in which the myelin sheath, or covering of the central nerves, is destroyed. When this myelin sheath is destroyed, the messages from the brain to the peripheral nerves are not transmitted effectively. There may be healing and return to normal function, but often a scar is formed which may interfere with nerve transmission and motor or sensory function. Because there are multiple areas of scarring (sclerosis), the disease is called multiple sclerosis. Each person with MS will have a unique set of symptoms depending on where the destruction occurs. Patients may experience weakness, numbness, fatigue, incoordination, loss of balance, visual problems, loss of bladder or bowel control, difficulty speaking, or dizziness.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Guillain-Barré Syndrome is an inflammatory disorder that damages the myelin or insulation covering the nerves that extend outward from the spinal cord. This damage slows down or short-circuits the ability of the nerve to conduct a signal normally. Guillain-Barré Syndrome is characterized by the onset of weakness and often, paralysis of the legs, arms, breathing muscles and face. Pain and abnormal sensations (hot, cold, smooth, rough, tingling, etc.) often accompany the weakness. In addition, patients may experience difficulty walking, breathing, swallowing, talking and using their hands.

Post Polio Syndrome

Polio or Poliomyelitis is an inflammation of the gray central matter of the spinal cord in which paralysis or muscle weakness occurs. Polio was eliminated in the United States by vaccines and almost forgotten, except by survivors. Post polio syndrome is the reoccurrence of polio symptoms after recovering from the disease. These individuals may experience muscle weakness, fatigue, joint/muscle pain, cold intolerance, difficulty breathing, speaking and swallowing, sleeping problems and respiratory problems.

Inpatient Rehabilitation

Once admitted to the inpatient rehabilitation program, treatment begins with a thorough evaluation to identify the patient's strengths and impairments. The rehabilitation team then works together with the patient and family to establish treatment goals. Each patient's program is tailored to meet his/her individual needs and is modified as progress occurs. Our Medical Director and physiatrist, who collectively specialize in internal and physical rehabilitative medicine, direct the treatment team. The rehab team iincludes: physical and occupational therapists, rehabilitation nurses, speech pathologists, social workers, and the patient and family. The inpatient program provides 24-hour-a-day physician and nursing support to address the medical and nursing needs of the patient. Individual and group therapy sessions are conducted for a minimum 3 hours a day, 7 days per week, to address the patient's physical, cognitive, emotional, and/or vocational needs. Specialized treatment and services offered include:

• Mobility skills training such as walking, sitting, standing and balancing
• Strengthening and increasing range of motion exercises
• Activities of daily living training (feeding, dressing, grooming)
• Swallowing management
• Skin care
• Communication assistance when functional communication is impaired
• Determining need for devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, splints and braces
• Suggestions for home modifications and equipment recommendations
• Rehabilitation psychology assessment
• Leisure activities

Participation by family and/or significant others in the rehabilitation process is strongly encouraged for patient success at discharge. All team members are involved in-patient and family teaching. As discharge approaches, patients and families are counseled regarding the resources available to help make a smooth transition home or to another care giving setting. Arrangements are made for those who would benefit from continued therapies in an outpatient setting.

Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation

The outpatient program is designed for the individual who is able to live in the community, but requires ongoing therapeutic services similar to the inpatient program. The rehabilitation team provides coordinated rehabilitation services including assessments, treatments and follow-up care. 

Outpatient Services include:

• Full range of physical and occupational therapies
• Speech language pathology
• Wheelchair seating and assessment clinic for proper fit, comfort and mobility
• Comprehensive orthotics services for corrective devices such as braces and splints
• Electrodiagnostic service (tests the nerve and muscle function)
• Psychological assessment and rehabilitation psychology
• Vocational rehabilitation counseling
• Driver rehab evaluation
• Social work / care coordination services

Outpatient therapy services are scheduled according to the patient's needs, generally two to three visits per week. The physician clinic is regularly scheduled and patients are seen by appointment. Support in coordinating transportation service is offered through the medical social work department, for those needing assistance to and from appointments.

Referral

To initiate the referral process or to obtain additional information on the Southwest Regional Rehabilitation Center's Neuromuscular Disease Services, please call the Admissions Case Manager at 269-965-3206, or FAX 269-441-4148.

 

Southwest Regional Rehabilitation Center 393 E. Roosevelt Battle Creek, Michigan  49017 269.965.3206