Hospital Diaries : apraxia

So I saw a young man today who presented to the hospital following a motor vehicle accident. He could not speak following his accident, and doesn't seem to be comprehending much either. He could vocalize, but couldn't speak spontaneously. He could repeat the word "pen", but couldn't identify a pen. When asked to smile, he would simply repeat "smile smile smile", for he does not understand the commands. It was devastating if you imagine your soul being trapped inside a body, in which you are not sure what to do with. All your previous memories essential to your survival was wiped out, ie he would not be able to use any tools presented. This is what they call ideomotor apraxia.

I dozed off while writing this yesterday, and here is an update : the patient was able to hold a pen and use it to write a word (that doesn't make sense), but was unable to write a full sentence, still could not name a pen, but is able to talk now. I am so happy for him, and I hope he will be back to his functional state soon :)

At times when you question yourself if this journey is worthy of all the sacrifices that you make, having witnessed such miracles would convince you that this is the right path. Now just keep going :)