Christopher Reeve Case Study Christopher Essay

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What treatments did the individual seek? Were any available at the time?

Reeve had to have a major operation a few days after his accident to replace the shattered vertebrae through artificial means. After his operation, he was put through physical rehabilitation and occupational therapy. Eventually he was able to move his wrist, fingers, and feet (Hecht & Hecht 2004). He could also breathe without assistance for up to 90 minutes. Intense physical therapy continued throughout the remainder of his life. Other treatments he received included: weight-bearing exercises, calcium supplements, and medication to reverse osteoporosis, or thinning of the bones which happens frequently to paraplegics.

Reeve sought further means of overcoming his disability, particularly with stem cell research. In this therapy, embryonic stem cells or, less often, adult stem cells are introduced to the damaged body which and allows the body to regenerate damaged tissue. It has been shown to help patients with spinal injuries like Reeve's as well as conditions like Parkinson's.

5. What are the research implications of the case study? How did this help scientists and doctors better understand the disorder or disease? How did this case help scientists and doctors better understand how the brain works?

Reeve was one of the most prominent people to bring attention to the issues of spinal injuries and of the negative repercussions for patients when insurance companies dictate treatment.

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His amazing rehabilitation and progress showed the scientific community what people could overcome provided they had the equipment and the dedication to do so. Although the injury in question was not one associated with the brain itself, the nervous system was involved in Reeve's injury. Wearing a helmet prevented him from doing brain damage. The research that the Christopher Reeve Foundation has conducted and supported has shown the effects of stem cells on spinal injuries and other neurological conditions (Reeve 2009).

Conclusion:

Christopher Reeve's accident shows the important of continued stem cell research. Working with scientists in both Israel and the United States, he tried to make the government see what could be done for paralyzed people like himself through the use of stem cells. The Israeli government has less interference in its scientific research because of socialized medicine which eliminates the issue of profit margin which in the United States can be a severe hindrance in research. If there is seen to be more profit in treating a condition than in curing it, the pharmaceutical company and other components of the healthcare industry will be more likely to try to block furthering successful research.

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