‘Suddenly, the brain started to wake up and kicked me into action’

A man who was left with severe mobility issues after a spinal injury is making strong progress through specialist rehabilitation. 

Justin Urquhart sustained degeneration injuries to his neck and lower spine that subsequently developed into an infection in 2020. 

In addition to cervical spinal stenosis, an area in the neck where the space around the spinal cord becomes narrowed and puts pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine, Justin also experienced discitis in the two lowest vertebrae of his lumbar spine (L4 and L5). 

The inflammation between the intervertebral discs led to the bacterial infection that caused 59-year-old Justin’s loss of mobility.

After being taken to The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn, where he received immediate medical attention, Justin was admitted to Askham Rehab in December to begin his rehabilitation recovery. 

This involved being assessed by the multidisciplinary teams – clinical psychology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy, before SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-based) goals were set to aid his recovery.

“When Justin came to us, he was very limited in what he could do,” says Sara Neaves, clinical lead and outpatients service manager at Askham Rehab.  

“He spent a lot of time in bed due to fatigue and muscle atrophy. The lack of strength in his four limbs required us to think outside the box in terms of what we could do with his therapy. 

“Justin also had a sensory deficit, being unaware of light touch and proprioception.”

To combat these challenges, Justin’s therapy had a specific focus on regaining muscle strength and range of movement through the use of Askham Rehab’s hydrotherapy pool and state-of-the-art robotic suite. 

In particular, Justin made use of Tyromotion’s PABLO, a sensor-based device for unilateral and bilateral training, which focused on building movement and coordination in his upper limbs.

Although still undergoing rehabilitation at Askham Rehab, Justin’s progress has significantly improved during his treatment, with the former personal assistant now being able to weight-bear transfer and take steps with assistance.

“Justin’s attitude to therapy and rehabilitation has been incredible. He’s always motivated,” Sara continues. 

“Being fiercely independent before his injury, he has really challenged himself in every therapy session and as a result, is now able to weight-bear transfer, be safer on his feet, and aware of where his legs are. 

“The improvements have been really encouraging. While there is still a long way to go, we’re confident that there are still sufficient gains to be made.

“One of his long-term goals was to be able to take steps again. This has been achieved much quicker than we originally expected, and we believe this is due to the advanced technological facilities we have here at Askham Rehab, and the approach we implement towards rehabilitation. 

“We’re excited for him to fulfil his ultimate goal of going home and being independent.”

A keen music enthusiast, particularly of Shirley Bassey, Justin has been “blown away” by his experience at Askham Rehab, hailing the Cambridgeshire family-run neuro rehab community as a “very special place”.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Askham. Whether it’s been the carers, the nurses or the maintenance staff, everyone has been just fabulous,” he says.

“The whole concept of Askham Rehab has been second-to-none. I couldn’t believe how quickly I was able to start motivating myself to get my limbs moving again. 

“Suddenly, the brain started to wake up and kicked me into action and that was when I found myself beginning to think that I wasn’t completely useless. I quickly began to feel so much better. My nerves, muscles and body were beginning to move and that’s all thanks to the wonderful therapy team.”

“Overall, I feel I’ve accomplished a great number of my goals that I originally didn’t think were accomplishable.”

Aliyyah-Begum Nasser, director at Askham, adds: “With 10 years of neurological rehabilitation expertise, we’re able to offer a quantitative and targeted approach to treatment, as well as greater discretion when targeting key areas following neurological events.

“Justin’s journey encompasses what Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day is all about; highlighting the strategies to improve the quality of life for persons living with spinal injuries and their families.”

For more information on Askham Rehab, visit https://askhamrehab.com/.