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Patient Experiences

Patient Experiences

Rehabilitation is a journey and each patient has a path from the devastation of injury to the moment in therapy when they take their first step, speak their first word, and cook breakfast on their own. These are stories of triumph over adversity, but they are also a chronicle of how CNS helps people regain independence. Diverse in background and severity of injury, our patients share one thing in common – they found dignity and hope at CNS.

Centre for Neuro Skills Experiences

Advocate, Author, and Now a Stroke Survivor: Life is Good

Leroy McClure Jr. led an active lifestyle at age 61. Leroy ran his own non-profit educational consulting business, had opened charter schools for students with autism across Texas, and became the first African American language therapist. He also worked out five days a week and enjoyed spending time with his eight grandchildren.  But on the morning of July 30, 2021, Leroy was lifting weights at the gym when his head began to hurt, and he started slurring his words.  Leroy was suffering a hemorrhagic stroke due to a ruptured brain aneurysm.

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Former Patient Inspired to Teach Youth After Holiday Accident

When he was 24, Matthew Dudley needed just one more semester to graduate from the University of Texas, Arlington. On December 23, 2004, Matthew was driving to his parents’ house to celebrate Christmas along with his twin brother and wife at the time. Matthew’s car collided head-on with an 18-wheeler truck that left him with a fractured spinal cord, two broken legs, and a traumatic brain injury.

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CNS TBI and Stroke Survivor Successfully Returns to Work

Former CNS patient Craig Northcutt has proudly worked for his Native American tribe, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, since 1994. But on September 7, 2012, Craig was severely injured in an ATV accident while deer hunting with his best friend, James. When Craig flipped out of the ATV, his head began to bleed, and he fainted. James immediately called 911 and started performing CPR until paramedics arrived. During Craig’s airlift to a nearby hospital, his brain bleed resulted in a stroke.  

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Stroke Survivor Regains Confidence and Independence

As an elementary school principal in Bakersfield, Ken Durbin has been a passionate advocate for youth education and has been heavily involved in the local community over the past 30 years. But on July 2, 2020, Ken suffered a massive hemorrhagic stroke amidst the COVID pandemic, resulting in severe physical and cognitive deficits, including loss of speech, difficulties with vision, and balance issues.

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CNS Patient Returns to His Passion of Cycling

In the summer of 2016, Ray Ydoyaga was training for an upcoming 250-mile bike ride in Europe. The avid cyclist had done this before, completing challenging routes in the Czech Republic, Montenegro, England, France, and Croatia. However, on August 1st, Ray had a cycling accident, leaving him with a severe spinal cord injury. Ray began inpatient treatment at Centre for Neuro Skills’ San Francisco location in October 2016, after several months in the hospital.

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Television Producer Returns to School After Stroke

Born and raised in Orange County, Trice Barto worked her way to the top and became a successful unscripted television producer. She produced well-known television shows such as America’s Next Top Model, Hell’s Kitchen, and Wipeout. But in March 2016, Trice suffered a stroke that put her life and career on hold. Just one month after her stroke, Trice was admitted to the day treatment neurorehabilitation program at CNS’ Los Angeles clinic where she began intensive neurorehabilitation therapy.

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Stroke Patient Hopeful for a Bright Future

Christie, a 36-year-old Digital Marketing Manager, was living a happy life with her boyfriend and dog. But everything changed when she suffered a stroke which left her with cognitive deficits, weakness and emotional dysregulation. In March 2022, Christie reluctantly started therapy at the Centre for Neuro Skills' Dallas clinic. With the help of intensive neurorehabilitation, counseling, and her family's support, she began to regain her confidence.

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Centre for Neuro Skills Experiences

College Sweethearts Overcome Aphasia Together

Sara and Tim have been married for 38 years, have four children, love to travel the world together and have one unique thing in common: Sara and Tim both live with aphasia. In 2004, Sara experienced a stroke at the age of 42 that impaired the right side of her body and caused severe aphasia. In 2021, Tim had a fall and was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury and also developed aphasia.

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Father of Two Picks Back Up After His Fall

Stephen Smith, a loving husband with two young sons, lived a busy life working full-time, watching his sons’ baseball games, and adventuring outdoors with his wife, Jordyn. But on July 28, 2020, Stephen fell 40 feet from a bucket truck at work and sustained a traumatic brain injury. The injury left Stephen with behavior problems and multiple cognitive deficits, including impaired memory, attention, and processing. Stephen began his recovery journey at Craig Hospital in Colorado, where he received acute care for his injury. However, when Stephen stopped receiving therapy, Jordyn quickly noticed a downward spiral in his behavior and mental health. Stephen’s case manager recommended Centre for Neuro Skills (CNS) for post-acute neurorehabilitation.

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Centre for Neuro Skills Experiences

Patient’s Continuing Improvements Inspire All Around Her

Just days before the end of Gretchen’s study abroad program in Paris–two months away from her high school graduation–she experienced a food allergy reaction that changed the course of her life. Gretchen ultimately suffered a cardiac arrest due to anaphylactic shock. Her condition was further complicated by a bronchial spasm, and she became anoxic for about 4 minutes on the way to the hospital with the paramedics.  After 3 weeks in the Parisian hospital, Gretchen was medically evacuated to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Upon arriving at CNS in February of 2019, Gretchen was diagnosed with anoxic brain damage, quadriparesis with severe deformities in all her extremities.

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A Unique Bond Between Mother and Daughter at CNS

“Use it or lose it,” Amy says to her daughter, Sabrina, as a reminder to use her left hand while baking at home. More than 20 years after Sabrina’s brain surgery, the two reflect on their unique experiences at Centre for Neuro Skills (CNS) and how this journey has shaped their mother-daughter relationship.

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Mother of 3 Celebrates 6 Year Stroke Anniversary this Mother’s Day

Nicole Paredes, a mother of three children, expresses gratitude and reflects on the challenges she has overcome in the last six years after suffering a stroke during her pregnancy. Nicole came to CNS, where she relearned how to speak, walk, and care for her baby through intensive neuro rehabilitation. Six years later, Nicole is excited to celebrate Mother’s Day with her husband, two boys, and youngest daughter, who will turn six years old next month.

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Celebrating National Stroke Awareness Month: Gwen Jackson's Journey

Gwen Jackson was always heavily involved in her local community in Houston, Texas. From working with the homeless population to starting a cancer foundation in memory of her father, Gwen found her purpose in life: to take care of others. However, Gwen was diagnosed with COVID and then cervical cancer. She experienced two strokes and a mild heart attack. Her cognitive abilities, physical mobility, vision and mental health were severely impaired as a result.

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A Caregiver’s Journey: Couple Finds New Hope This Valentine’s Day

Mark and Lori met in 2009 on a blind date set up by their mutual friend. Now, 14 years later, Mark and Lori have been happily married for over 3 years. However, in December of 2021, Mark and Lori’s lives changed unexpectedly–Mark fell at home. He was rushed to the hospital where he had an emergency craniotomy and suffered a stroke as a result. In July 2022, Mark came to Centre for Neuro Skills’ Bakersfield clinic, where he began intensive neurorehabilitation therapy, including aquatic therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and counseling.

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Centre for Neuro Skills Experiences

Patient Rediscovers his Rhythm of Living After Stroke

Anticipating a choir concert and project deadline at work, Silas was knocked off his feet when he experienced a stroke at age 36. “I had a headache and was feeling a little off, but I didn’t think anything of it,” said Silas. “My wife, Kathryn, realized that something was seriously wrong after receiving a text from me that didn’t make sense.” After seeing his text, Kathryn rushed home and found Silas sitting on the floor, struggling to speak. “When I saw the left side of his face was drooping, I knew he was having a stroke,” said Kathryn. “I knew that time is brain function with strokes, so I called 911 right away. I was probably on the phone with them 15 minutes after his stroke began. He was in surgery within two hours, which is about as fast as you can hope for in that situation.”

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A Filmmaker Travels Home to Celebrate His Birthday and Recovery

As a former freelance filmmaker and DJ, Marz Holden-Montini lived a creative, spontaneous lifestyle and traveled frequently. However, Marz suffered a traumatic brain injury from a fall in June 2020 that paused his career endeavors. Marz was confined to a wheelchair and experienced auditory and visual difficulties as well as cognitive impairments. Marz came to the Centre for Neuro Skills’ Los Angeles clinic shortly after, where he relearned how to walk again and overcame many challenges.

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After Covid, A Stroke Survivor Reclaims Her Dignity

Having survived Covid, Kristi Hall was relieved to resume her life of work, marriage, and caring for her puppy. But on April 27, 2021, Kristi felt a pop at the base of her head. The pain intensified until she started screaming. “When I stood up, I’d lost all control of my right side,” she recalled. “I don’t remember much after that because I was in a coma.”

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Interior Designer Has a Blueprint for Success

Formerly a commercial interior designer, Brittany came to CNS in 2019, having suffered a brain injury caused by a car crash while she was working in Palm Springs. Her injuries included two brain bleeds, a constricted right hand, slurred speech and cognition deficits. The impact also caused double vision, which her therapy team addressed by consulting a neuro optometrist who prescribed special lenses.

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Centre for Neuro Skills Experiences

Working Again, A Lineman Reflects on His Life’s Purpose

It was a clear March morning in 2018, and apprentice lineman Nick Holloway was headed west on I-20 with a crew of electrical workers. Suddenly, his truck axel broke loose, scraping against the asphalt and tilting the cab. Within seconds the utility vehicle swerved and flipped over five times. Co-workers following him witnessed the crash, kicked in the windshield, and pulled Nick and his crew out. When Nick arrived at Centre for Neuro Skills’ Fort Worth clinic, he had no recall of the crash but suffered two brain bleeds, a subdural hematoma, pelvic fractures, imbalance, and memory lapses.

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Centre for Neuro Skills Experiences

A Stroke Survivor Strives to Parent Again

With four young kids at home and a husband who travels, Elizabeth Ackerman was Supermom. She juggled school, errands, and homework help with ease. But in December 2021, she suffered a stroke, which required a craniectomy and hospitalization. In an instant, this competent woman lost her ability to walk, speak, cook, and play with her children, aged three to 11.

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Centre for Neuro Skills Experiences

Her Best Mother’s Day Gift: ‘I Have My Baby Back’

This Mother’s Day Lachelle Mays is sure to feel gratitude in the depths of her soul. “I have my baby back,” she says. Her son, Jerry Mathis, survived a horrific car accident in 2020, when he was broadsided by an 18-wheeler on his way to work. He was following Lachelle to the aircraft components factory where they’re both employed. At a four way stop, Lachelle pulled forward. Within seconds she heard a terrifying crash. In the rearview mirror, she watched as her son’s car was destroyed by a truck.

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After a Stroke, This Father of Five Rebuilds His Life

On a typical day, Les Tapia is on construction sites overseeing seven crews of workers who seal and waterproof concrete in Dallas. While driving his truck to a job site, Les suffered a ruptured aneurysm, called 911 on his own, then endured a 14 second seizure in the ambulance. After two months in a coma, he was stabilized and came to Centre for Neuro Skills (CNS) Dallas, where he learned to eat, bathe, reason, and even dance with his wife again.

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Ten Years Post Injury, a Near Fatal Crash Leads to Hope, Healing, and Success

On a frigid Dallas night in 2012, Nancy Beasley’s life took a radical turn that changed everything in an instant. It was Dec. 30 and Nancy was intoxicated. As she drove onto an overpass, her car bounced off a barrier wall and plummeted onto a freeway 90 feet below.

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A Film, a TV Segment, and now a New Job for Blake Hyland

Even as a toddler, Blake Hyland was a gymnastics wonder. Tumbling on pre-school mats and home carpeting, he summersaulted his way through childhood and became a star gymnast in his hometown of Waco, Texas. But on Feb. 18, 2014, while running down a tumble ramp, he flipped in the air, landing partially in the foam padded pit and partially on the surrounding concrete. The injury was severe, causing massive strokes in his temporal lobe, followed by a host of physical and cognitive impairments.

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After a Stroke, Computer Science Student Finds His Algorithm

At just 20 years old, Mingjia Wang had the shock of his life. One morning he was lifting weights at the gym, but by afternoon his left arm was numb, and his face began to droop. “I also had the worst headache of my life,” he recalled. Within hours he was in surgery for a craniectomy. Mingjia suffered a stroke. “In the blink of an eye, I'd lost my friends, my school, and the life I had ahead of me,” he said.

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Exceptional Aggies: One year after tragedy, A&M senior reflects and prepares to graduate

Luke Armstrong, a college senior in the Construction Science Department, survived a plane crash in August 2020. According to Armstrong, he was with his girlfriend, Victoria Walker, and her family, when the plane crashed. Armstrong said that he was found by someone who was in the area at the time and waiting with him until emergency responders arrived.

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Practicing Before a Clinic ‘Jury’ Helps This Attorney Regain Courtroom Skills

At CNS, returning patients to their highest level of skills is a priority. “We Are Innovative” is a company pillar, and the journey of attorney Skip Scott emerged (in legal parlance) as Exhibit A. Skip practiced his courtroom eloquence in “Reconnecting the Dots,” a lecture and PowerPoint he developed and presented before a group of fellow patients at the CNS Dallas clinic, where he recovered from a brain tumor and stroke. His case manager, Diane Lokay-Nickell, facilitated the idea, which resonates with CNS’ tailored care approach.

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Young Stroke Survivor Returns to Work as an Accountant

In September 2016, 29-year-old accountant Kimberly Torella woke up feeling extremely dizzy. She assumed the symptom was related to her hypoglycemia, a condition in which blood sugar (glucose) levels drop below average. So, she went about her morning as usual – eating breakfast and dropping her son off at Cub Scouts. Kimberly's dizziness persisted, however, and she also began experiencing an intense and excruciating headache. This caused her to seek treatment at her local urgent care, where she was misdiagnosed and sent home. "I went to sleep that night, and when I woke up, the left side of my body was paralyzed," Kimberly said. 

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A Patient’s Family Recognizes CNS’ Care in the Era of COVID

At CNS, we believe that families are central to the recovery process, and their efforts have been all the more vital during the current public health crisis. Their trust and support have enabled CNS to meet challenges and continue delivering the highest quality care. Susan Clark, a family member of a patient at CNS Fort Worth, shares her experience with her brother's transition into CNS' post-acute brain injury rehabilitation program during the pandemic.

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On Set or at Home, This Actor Prevails After a Stroke

Former CNS patient Timothy (Tim) Omundson – a Los Angeles based actor, respected and beloved for his roles in movies and popular television shows, suffered a massive stroke in 2017, which changed his life forever. After many months of post-acute, intensive brain injury rehabilitation at CNS, Tim overcame his physical and cognitive deficits and returned to his successful acting career.

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The Future is Bright for This Former CNS Patient

On the evening of February 14, Valentine's Day, 2017, Brent Freeman was heading home on his motorcycle on the 405 freeway in Los Angeles when he was struck by a car, ejected from his bike, and sent flying headfirst into another vehicle. Brent was rushed to the UCLA Medical Center in critical condition. He sustained internal injuries, including a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and multiple skull fractures, causing brain bleeding and swelling. And he was placed into a medically induced coma for several weeks to help protect his brain from further damage.

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Former Patient Successfully Returns to His Career As a Video Editor

Los Angeles-based Casey Dake has worked as a talented film and video editor for his entire career. Video editors are valued for their advanced digital technology skills and personal qualities such as creativity, patience, and attention to detail. But when Casey suffered an acquired brain injury (ABI) in 2018, he was left with severe cognitive impairments that affected his ability to meet the demands of his profession. Not only was Casey able to overcome his deficits, but he also returned to work as a full-time video editor upon completion of his CNS program - which had been his main goal since sustaining a brain injury.

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After a Stroke, This Rock Climber is Scaling the Heights of Hope

When rock climber Matthew Little came to CNS, he was confined to a wheelchair and wondered if he’d ever scale a mountain again. His life was climbing, taking in the vistas of sky, clouds and pines, and breathing in the crisp air at the top of a peak. Matthew described himself as a weekend warrior, driving to the desert to rock climb routes in Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and the Eastern Sierras. Turns out he was indeed a warrior of determination, with the help of CNS’ therapy team.

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Former Patient Successfully Returns to Work

Carla Elliott’s family thought she would be bedridden for life when she suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after an accident at work. Not only did Carla defy all odds and achieve an amazing recovery, she successfully returned to work.  Carla says the skills she learned at CNS and the support of her family have enabled her to return to a productive life post-injury, “CNS saved my life, and my positive attitude comes from being so grateful to be able to drive a car, walk, talk, and have a job,” she says. "I re-learned all of these skills at CNS.”

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JD’s Journey Redefines Independence Day

Recovering from a traumatic brain injury is monumental for anyone. But for CNS patient JD, he had to face another issue while in rehabilitation. JD was addicted to heroin, cocaine, and meth-amphetamine when he came to the Bakersfield facility eight years ago. He’d fallen from a tree while working at a car wash, and his brain injury - coupled with drug dependencies – meant that he had to face two devastating maladies.

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A New Meaning of Father's Day

Merlyn Frank and his son, Bryson, love motorcycles, racing, and just about anything that roars on two wheels. But they have something else in common that’s rare among sons and fathers. Merlyn endured a traumatic brain injury in 2008 after falling from a roof while working. Nearly 10 years later, Bryson’s motorcycle spun out on a low sided freeway exit, causing a brain injury - the second in the Frank family. Both were treated at Centre for Neuro Skills’ Bakersfield facility and both recovered successfully.

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Kailey’s Journey: Part 3

18-year-old Kailey Tesdahl was admitted to CNS’ inpatient program in August 2017, after suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) - the result of a car accident that occurred on her way to high school graduation. After hospitalization and months of intensive rehabilitation at CNS Dallas and CNS Fort Worth, Kailey progressed from being non-verbal and unable to walk to collecting her diploma in May 2018. The community involvement and interest in Kailey’s story were overwhelming.

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For this Couple, Valentine’s Day is All about Gratitude

Justin has spent his career in a highly specialized profession – the collecting and selling of rare coins, jewelry, and watches. He’s a numismatist, a unique job that demands intricate calculation and finance skills. But after sustaining a traumatic brain injury at work, those skills were suddenly impacted by an accident that upended his life.

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Father and Son CNS Patients

Former CNS patient Bryson Frank has had a passion for motorcycles as long as he can remember. The Bakersfield native started riding dirt bikes at a young age and obtained his motorcycle license when he was 17. But Bryson’s world turned upside down on May 11th, 2017, when he was on his way to college classes. “I was going around a bend when my bike slide slid out from under me,” he recalled.
Bryson was flung from his motorcycle, and it landed on top of him. When the ambulance arrived, they found him trapped under his bike, unconscious.

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Kailey’s Journey: Part 2

In August 2017, Kailey Tesdahl was admitted to the inpatient CNS Dallas program. The 18-year-old had suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from her involvement in a car accident on her way to high school graduation that June. After spending 30 days at Texas Rehabilitation Hospital, Kailey made her way to CNS - due in large part to the many healthcare professionals in the community who worked together to establish a continuum of care following her injury.

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Kailey’s Journey: Part 1

On June 5, 2017, Kailey was on her way to her high school graduation in Burleson, TX. The excited young woman was dressed in her blue graduation gown, ready to join her friends. However, in a cruel twist of fate, she and her sister were struck by another car that had run a stop sign. Kailey was left unconscious and in critical condition.

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Music Executive Feels Rediscovered

On an evening in March 2018, successful music executive, Nuel Cho, was out in Los Angeles with three friends, two of whom were longtime acquaintances from Korea, where he was raised. After a few hours catching up, the friends waited for taxies to head home. Nuel insisted his friends jump in the first set of taxis and he continued walking down the street to find another cab. “That’s the last thing I can remember,” Nuel said.

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STROKE PATIENT RETURNS TO WORK AT CNS

When a stroke patient returns to work, it’s a celebration for all who played a role in their rehabilitation. In the case of Paul Carroll, a CNS maintenance department employee in Bakersfield for 17 years, it’s a profound full circle. His journey from employee to patient to employee again began on St. Patrick’s Day 2016. He’d suffered a headache for a few days, and the day before St. Patrick’s Day he completed a full day’s work in the maintenance department, went home and ate dinner, but had problems with swallowing, dizziness, and speech.

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A New Meaning of Independence Day

Betty came to CNS in 2011, having endured multiple orthopedic and complex medical problems and several spine surgeries resulting in pulmonary emboli and development of metabolic encephalopathy. These complications restricted her mobility and impaired her problem-solving and cognitive skills. Betty couldn’t articulate thoughts or verbalize needs. She was at a seventh grade level in math, reading, and writing. She lacked the home safety awareness and self-care to live on her own.

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From Concussion to Country Music Star

Nearly 15 years after his injury, Dale has two award winning albums, and has been inducted into the Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame. Sometimes lives must be rerouted after brain injury. With the onset of spring, Dale’s story is a touching reminder of man and nature’s ability to renew and begin again. He is truly inspirational.

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Labor Day Takes on New Meaning for Injured Police Officer

As an experienced police officer, Ed knew the dangers inherent in working the streets of a big city. By day, he was a detective in one of the nation’s largest police departments, investigating financial and property crimes. By night, he occasionally he worked as a security presence at a local club. Then one evening every officer’s worst nightmare unfolded. An altercation with a customer led to an unthinkable act of violence. The enraged patron confronted Ed in the parking lot, ran over him with his car, and dragged him under the chassis, which caused broken bones and brain damage. As a crime fighter, Ed was now the victim, and had fractures and a brain injury as proof.

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Mother’s Day Has New Meaning for CNS Patient and her Mom

The bond between a mother and daughter deepens with life experiences. For Renee and Lauren Brashear it was a catastrophic event that strengthened the bond by creating a new level of devotion, commitment, and love. Lauren’s traumatic brain injury and rehabilitation has given new meaning to their celebration of Mother’s Day this year, as Lauren’s recovery is the ultimate gift for Renee.

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CNS Trains a New Mom - and Patient - How to Care for Her Baby

In honor of Mother’s Day, we share the incredible case of Nicole, a young mother, who was admitted to CNS’ residential program after suffering a stroke seven months into her pregnancy. On June 18th 2017, 31-year-old Nicole started feeling chest pains while at her sister’s house in Midland, Texas, as she was celebrating Father’s Day with her husband and two young boys. She was soon rushed to the emergency room of a nearby hospital. “I remember telling my husband that my head hurt. I was in and out of consciousness. Then my speech started to slur, and that’s all I can remember,” says Nicole.

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Stroke Rehabilitation Set This Family on a Path of Rediscovery

When Randy Hafdell had an aneurysm in 2014 his life became a chaotic nightmare. His wife and two children faced some terrifying prospects. How severe was his brain injury? Would it cause permanent damage? Could he work again? A grim fear set in as he was helicoptered to the hospital on that May morning, after a CT scan revealed a massive bleed that required a craniotomy.

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The Headache That Was a Stroke

A self-proclaimed workaholic, D.L. had been putting in long days at her job as a set designer. She began having severe headaches, which she suspected was caused by mounting stress. As the pain and intensity increased, she decided to seek help from her chiropractor, who administered a cervical spine manipulation.

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Concussion Didn’t Sink This Water Polo Star

An over-achiever at 16, Katie was an A student who’d been accepted into the Junior Olympics water polo team while considering which university she’d attend for nursing school. She thrived on success and was a rising star in school athletics. But her life plunged into pain and confusion when she was elbowed in the temple by a competitor during an intense match with a rival team.

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