In the first video clip, her highest motor function is demonstrated at age three and a half years. At this time, she could not roll over without catching her arm underneath her. She has no effective head control, cannot sit or interact with the environment using her hands.

Her neurologic problem is a form of cerebral palsy that affects the brain stem nuclei. The clinical result is a severe movement disorder. Figuring out how to get her body to do what she wants is her major challenge. Because it is so difficult for her to organize a movement pattern, she moves very little. This lack of movement leads to very severe disuse muscle atrophy that is secondary to the underlying neurologic or brain problem. Treating that disuse atrophy, growing the available muscle, can produce a major change in the child's clinical function.

After only eight months of treatment with Threshold Electrical Stimulation (TES) applied to her back and abdominal muscles, the second clip demonstrates the change. As well as the astounding change in her motor control, please also notice the incredible smile on her face.

Unlocking this child's ability to interact with her environment totally changed her interaction with the rest of the world. This major change meant that all of her therapies, which had continued unchanged, were now more effective. They were more effective because the child was more willing and able to co-operate and interact with the program. In addition to Threshold Electrical Stimulation (TES), her parents also instituted an active exercise program which included water exercise using the TASC Network developed programs and additional flotation devices. In the water, this child was able to exercise and experience movement. That would not have been possible on dry land.

In most children, combined treatments have the best results.

Now a young teenager, Flannery tells her story:

		Flannery was selected as one of the finalists for the prestigious 2003 River of Words Poetry contest. Her poem was selected from thousands and thousands of entries from across the country and abroad by Robert Hass, the former Poet Laureate of the United States. Being a finalist in the River of Words contest is quite a distinguished literary honor.
I first met Flannery when she was 3 years old. Over the years, she has grown into a talented and perceptive young lady. She has recently been part of an award winning video about accessibility and her view of the high school world. It is well worth a look. Here is a link to her video on You Tube. Flannery on You Tube

For more Information on Threshold Electrical Stimulation (TES) (click here)

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