how to help son with post-TBI hand problems?

As a result of traumatic brain injury related to ski accident this
Christmas, my 7.5 yo son Evan has a weak right hand, with some loss of
fine motor control and some sensory (proprioceptory) loss. He goes to
therapy several times a week (twice at the hospital, once at school) to
develop full motion of the hand, and there has been much improvement
since the accident. However, he needs adjustments to his
pencils/utensils for writing/eating with the right hand, or they slip
out.

We know that his right hand cannot recover fully unless he uses it as
much as possible. The problem is, he is refusing to use the right hand
at home, despite our explanations. Instead he either uses his left or
acts helpless. For example, though I know he could manage the computer
mouse, he uses the left hand instead. This resistance seems to come
from his brain rather than be a matter of simple stubbornnes, and I
suspect that the presense of proprioception is a major factor.

As a result, there has been no progress with using his hand for a while
now, and we are afraid he is at risk of becoming a cripple for the rest
of his life. We are at a loss how to change his mind and start moving
forwards. Tools? Books? Games? Specialists?

Many thanks for any advice,

Dina
Newton, MA

P.S. We Conn Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance.

"Dina" wrote in message
oups.com...
As a result of traumatic brain injury related to ski accident this
Christmas, my 7.5 yo son Evan has a weak right hand, with some loss of
fine motor control and some sensory (proprioceptory) loss. He goes to
therapy several times a week (twice at the hospital, once at school) to
develop full motion of the hand, and there has been much improvement
since the accident. However, he needs adjustments to his
pencils/utensils for writing/eating with the right hand, or they slip
out.

We know that his right hand cannot recover fully unless he uses it as
much as possible. The problem is, he is refusing to use the right hand
at home, despite our explanations. Instead he either uses his left or
acts helpless. For example, though I know he could manage the computer
mouse, he uses the left hand instead. This resistance seems to come
from his brain rather than be a matter of simple stubbornnes, and I
suspect that the presense of proprioception is a major factor.

As a result, there has been no progress with using his hand for a while
now, and we are afraid he is at risk of becoming a cripple for the rest
of his life. We are at a loss how to change his mind and start moving
forwards. Tools? Books? Games? Specialists?

Many thanks for any advice,

Dina
Newton, MA

P.S. We Conn Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance.

I presume that your son is seeing both a physical therapist and an
occupational therapist who specializes in hand therapy. If so, express your
concerns to them, and work with them.

"Mark Probert" Mark wrote in message
...

"Dina" wrote in message
oups.com...
As a result of traumatic brain injury related to ski accident this
Christmas, my 7.5 yo son Evan has a weak right hand, with some loss of
fine motor control and some sensory (proprioceptory) loss. He goes to
therapy several times a week (twice at the hospital, once at school) to
develop full motion of the hand, and there has been much improvement
since the accident. However, he needs adjustments to his
pencils/utensils for writing/eating with the right hand, or they slip
out.

We know that his right hand cannot recover fully unless he uses it as
much as possible. The problem is, he is refusing to use the right hand
at home, despite our explanations. Instead he either uses his left or
acts helpless. For example, though I know he could manage the computer
mouse, he uses the left hand instead. This resistance seems to come
from his brain rather than be a matter of simple stubbornnes, and I
suspect that the presense of proprioception is a major factor.

As a result, there has been no progress with using his hand for a while
now, and we are afraid he is at risk of becoming a cripple for the rest
of his life. We are at a loss how to change his mind and start moving
forwards. Tools? Books? Games? Specialists?

Many thanks for any advice,

Dina
Newton, MA

P.S. We Conn Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance.

I presume that your son is seeing both a physical therapist and an
occupational therapist who specializes in hand therapy. If so, express
your
concerns to them, and work with them.

My thoughts exactly. Plus, they are able to evaluate how he is doing far
better than we can.