2. Pre-injury Status
Before his injury this patient was 35
year old construction worker with a
steady job in commercial building. He
was married and had two children,
ages 11 and 15.
He want out regularly with his wife
and work friends. His favorite hobby
was riding his quad all terrain vehicle,
which he did on weekends. There were
some concerns about alcohol use,
especially during the weekend outings
and three months prior to his injury he
broke his arm while driving his ATV,
possibly after a number of beers.
3. Present Condition
After his injury this patient has
been institutionalized since the
transfer from the hospital. He is
completely paralyzed except for
his ability to move his right
thumb and forefinger. He has a
permanent tracheostomy and
cannot talk.
4. Present Condition
He has to be fed by a tube and
has very limited means of
communication with the outside
world, but responds to pain and
can interact with his wife and
oldest child by responding to
their questions with finger
movements. He will lift his
finger and thumb when asked
to.
