Doctors Report Kevin Pearce Making Better than Expected Progress After Accident
In recent days, his physicians have upgraded Pearce's condition and removed his breathing tube, although he still remains in the intensive care unit.
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January 21, 2010
On New Year's Eve 2009, snowboarder and Olympic hopeful Kevin Pearce sustained a serious brain injury after a training accident at Park City, Utah, and ended up in the hospital in critical condition. In recent days, his physicians have upgraded Pearce's condition and removed his breathing tube, although he still remains in the intensive care unit.
"Kevin continues to improve and is actively participating in his therapies," said Dr Elaine Skalabrin who specializes in neurocritical care at the University of Utah Hospital, quoted by ESPN.
"He is making progress on a daily basis," she added.
In the wake of his accident, supporters launched a Facebook Fan page, Well Wishes to our Friend Kevin Pearce, which is the preferred site for people posting their get-well wishes and seeking the most recent reliable information, according to the news source.
The Centers for Disease Control estimates that traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) affect approximately 1.4 million Americans each year. Although about 75 percent of them are mild, individuals involved in accidents should receive medical evaluation even in the absence of symptoms, as some types of damage take time to develop.
For those who suffer more significant injuries, early and intensive rehabilitation can lead to substantial functional improvements.
Families affected by a similar adversity may consult the resources of organizations such as the Brain Injury Association of America, Brain Trauma Foundation and the Family Caregiver Alliance, all of which accept donations.
On New Year's Eve 2009, snowboarder and Olympic hopeful Kevin Pearce sustained a serious brain injury after a training accident at Park City, Utah, and ended up in the hospital in critical condition. In recent days, his physicians have upgraded Pearce's condition and removed his breathing tube, although he still remains in the intensive care unit.
"Kevin continues to improve and is actively participating in his therapies," said Dr Elaine Skalabrin who specializes in neurocritical care at the University of Utah Hospital, quoted by ESPN.
"He is making progress on a daily basis," she added.
In the wake of his accident, supporters launched a Facebook Fan page, Well Wishes to our Friend Kevin Pearce, which is the preferred site for people posting their get-well wishes and seeking the most recent reliable information, according to the news source.
The Centers for Disease Control estimates that traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) affect approximately 1.4 million Americans each year. Although about 75 percent of them are mild, individuals involved in accidents should receive medical evaluation even in the absence of symptoms, as some types of damage take time to develop.
For those who suffer more significant injuries, early and intensive rehabilitation can lead to substantial functional improvements.
Families affected by a similar adversity may consult the resources of organizations such as the Brain Injury Association of America, Brain Trauma Foundation and the Family Caregiver Alliance, all of which accept donations.
