03/16/2026
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month—a time to recognize the millions of individuals and families affected by brain injury and to recommit ourselves to building a community of understanding, support, and hope. 💙
Kyle arrived at the Pathways Program at Louisville East Post Acute with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and multiple complex diagnoses, including DKA, seizures, and acute respiratory failure. Prior to these diagnoses, Kyle was fully independent with his daily activities, mobility, leisure pursuits, and work skills.
When Kyle began the program, Physical Therapy assessments showed his lower body strength and range of motion were within normal limits. However, due to significant challenges with coordination, balance, and safe mobility, he required maximum assistance for movement and was at a very high risk for falls. His impulsiveness combined with his physical strength made mobility particularly challenging.
Occupational Therapy evaluations found Kyle needed maximum assistance with most activities of daily living (ADLs) and total assistance for lower-body ADLs. He also experienced difficulties with sensory processing, fine motor coordination, attention to tasks, and following directions.
Speech Therapy completed comprehensive cognitive, speech, and swallow evaluations. Kyle presented with decreased oral and pharyngeal function, coughing during oral intake, aphasia, severe cognitive deficits, decreased speech intelligibility, and limited social communication.
Recreational Therapy also assessed Kyle and determined he required maximum to total assistance to participate in leisure activities.
Through the rigorous Pathways Program—which includes approximately three hours each day of Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy, along with daily Recreational Therapy and weekly Neuropsychological Therapy—Kyle has made remarkable progress.
Today, Kyle is walking and performing dynamic mobility tasks with contact guard assistance and is progressing toward supervision level. He is now completing his ADLs with supervision, and his balance and sensory processing have significantly improved.
Kyle’s cognition and speech have also advanced to supervision level for auditory and reading comprehension, as well as motor speech and verbal expression. He continues to work diligently on problem-solving and memory skills, which have improved to mild-to-moderate deficits. His swallowing strength has improved as well, and he is now enjoying a regular diet with thin liquids.
Kyle now participates daily in recreational therapy activities such as crossword puzzles, watching TV, and reading.
Kyle has been incredibly impressive in the Pathways Program. When reflecting on his experience, he shared, “The program makes me think in new ways each day.” When asked about his goals moving forward, Kyle said, “My goal going forward is to not stop thinking and assessing the way I move.”
Stories like Kyle’s remind us why Brain Injury Awareness Month matters—because recovery is possible with the right support, dedication, and care. 🌟
