Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Case Paper

Steve, 51, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in May of 2009. In April 2009, Steve visited his primary care physician, Dr. Smith, at our Lady of the Lake. Steve noticed a general pattern of weakness. When playing baseball with his children, he is unable to hold on to the baseball bat as tightly as needed. In addition, Steve stated he had difficulty with eating and hoarseness. Steve was diagnosed with ALS by his neurologist the following month.
Steve breathes via ventilator and eats via PEG tube. Steve is mobile with assistance with his wheelchair. His occupational and speech therapist visit him twice a week. Steve currently uses a high-tech eye gaze device that is mounted to his bedroom wall to communicate. The device uses text-to-speech.
Steve lives with his wife, Shannon, and three children; Abigail …show more content…
Steve will interact with Dave at Wrigley Field during baseball games in two out of three opportunities
b. Steve will interact with Dave at Wrigley Field during baseball games in three out of five opportunities.
c. Steve will interact with Dave at Wrigley Field during baseball games in five out of eight opportunities.
i. Steve will indicate when he needs use the restroom with the gestures and the low-tech eye gaze board. ii. Steve will order his own food and beverage during the game with gestures and the low-tech eye gaze board. iii. Steve will indicate when he is in pain, happy, or needs assistance
2. Steve will engage up to three conversational turns including conversational starters with friends using his low-tech eye gaze board.
a. Steve will engage up to one conversational turn with friends using his low-tech eye gaze board.
b. Steve will engage up to two conversational turns with friends using his low-tech eye gaze board.
i. Steve will greet his “regulars” while arriving at the game. ii. Steve will make appropriate comments during the game with Dave.
1. “Did you see that hit!”
3. Dave will be trained to properly use the eye-gaze