QUINCY, ILL. -- Blessing Hospital has a new tool to help treat patients with visual and motor function problems.
The Dynavision D2 Visuomotor Training System has assisted occupational therapists in the treatment of visual field deficits and disorders. Now, it's helping stroke patients and people who've suffered with neurological problems. KHQA's Brooke Hasch met a man who's already seeing in a different light thanks to this new technology.
"We were home on the 4th of July and my wife started noticing I was slurring and talking weird, so she took me to the emergency room at Blessing and they diagnosed me with a stroke," said Jerry Webber of Kahoka.
The stroke affected the strength of Webber's left side, including his vision, which also affected his balance. He's been in Blessing's rehab unit ever since, but his recovery is coming fast thanks to this game-like system called Dynavision.
"Mandy here, she reminds, when I keep missing lights, to keep looking to the left. I kept telling myself to scan to the left as we were going through this," said Webber.
It's a board full of LED lights that blink in different patterns and speeds. The faster you can find the light, the better your score.
“It’s kind of like a video game. Patients enjoy working with the Dynavision D2 as a part of their therapy program because it is fun and motivating,” said Amanda Lindsey, an occupational therapist and certified brain injury specialist in Blessing Hospital’s Rehabilitation Services Department.
For Jerry, the Dynavision has cut his reaction time in half in just the last week. But it's not always easy.
"I'm afraid of failure. I know its based on reaction times, but I like to succeed. You know, when you're sitting in front of a board like this and its flashing, it's very intimidating. I was intimidated," said Webber.
Webber's rehabilitation consists of three hours of training every day.
"The speech therapy and Mandy's group, they really make you sweat, they work you hard," said Webber.
But he says it's worth it.
"I'd like to get back to near normal," said a laughing Webber. "I've got a ways to go, but we'll get there."
Webber got his release forms this morning. He'll be discharged next Wednesday, after about three weeks of training.
All of Blessing’s occupational therapists are trained to use the Dynavision D2 equipment in combination with a comprehensive rehabilitation program.
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