Help for the Stroke Arm

Loss of the use of a hand is one of the most devastating consequences of a stroke. Many people regain some use of their shoulder and elbow, but the complicated coordination of four fingers and thumb that allows us to button a shirt, feed ourselves and brush our teeth requires more than the gross motions allowed at the upper joints of the arm.

For years, patients and therapists alike have been frustrated with the length of time to rehabilitate an arm. Few tools have been available to deal with the spasticity or pain that may occur when the arm and hand are not functioning normally.

Winter Haven Hospital Rehabilitation Services is proud to be one of several centers nationwide to work with a new highly technical and innovative neuroprosthesis, Ness 200, that enables a functional reconnection of the hand to the brain through an electrical mechanical device. With use of this device the brain is accessed via the old nerve pathways which stimulates growth of new pathways and increased functional use of the arm and hand.

Mr. Steve Lyon, a 54 year old truck driver, had a stroke in March 2005, which resulted in a hemiplegia ( paralysis of his right arm and leg) . Mr. Lyon developed increased tone in his muscles resulting in stiffness and loss of use of the arm. Pain in his shoulder developed from non-use of his arm. He was treated at the Winter Haven Hospital Outpatient Rehab Program in March 2005 and again in October 2005, but made limited progress with his arm because of the increased tone and pain in his arm.

In March of this year, Mr. Lyon was fitted with a Ness 200 and given a home program to practice specific motions. Mr. Lyon has been using this device for a few months and is happy to be more functional in being able to carry a drink with his affected hand, while wheeling his wheelchair with the other. He has seen a decrease in the tone and pain in his right arm and an increase in his ability to release his grasp.

The Ness 200 neuroprosthesis was developed by the BIONESS Company in an attempt to bring technology into the rehabilitation of stroke. The Ness 200 is a brace-like device that fits snugly on the forearm and hand. Built in electrodes touch key muscles to stimulate motion. The patient is fitted for the device by an Occupational or Physical Therapist and is utilized in therapy before being ordered for home use. The patient can then use the device at home with a prescribed exercise program and a goal of increasing the functional use of the hand and arm.

In studies done in 2002, researchers concluded that the Ness 200 is a safe, and effective, noninvasive neuroprosthesis for improving hand functions and impairments in selected persons with acute or chronic hemiplegia secondary to stroke.

Normalizing the use of the hand lends a purpose to using the arm, which increases strength in the entire arm. With better arm and shoulder stabilization a person can stand more erect, may improve their standing balance and walking ability as well. If you are interested in being evaluated for the use of this device please call the Winter Haven Hospital Outpatient Rehab Center at 292-4060.

Mr. Lyon practices using his right arm to assist in activity at home. His long term goal is to return to his hobby of fishing.