Corey's Story
Brain Injury
Meet Corey A. Claytor, a 35-year-old firefighter from Denton, Texas. Known for his dedication to his family, his work and hobbies such as cross-fit and photography, Corey's life could not have been busier – or more exciting. He and his wife, Alicia, were about to purchase a new home. While she headed to school to get the kids, Corey jumped on his motorcycle to make the house offer in person.On the way, a catastrophic accident brought all their plans to a halt. Corey was rushed to the emergency room at Medical City Denton. The accident left him with multiple injuries, including a traumatic brain injury (TBI), bone fractures and respiratory complications.
“A lot of it is a blur as there was a lot happening,” Alicia recalled. “It was very stressful. There was no guarantee he [would] make it out of there alive.”
He was moved to the ICU at Medical City Denton where his medical course was complicated from multiple respiratory infections, unstable vitals and neurostorming. A common result of a TBI, neurostorming is also known as Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity (PSH), a physiological response that occurs when the sympathetic nervous system's "fight-or-flight" response is triggered but can't be turned off. He was in a minimally conscious state in an induced coma for medical stability.
But Corey beat the odds.
After treatment at Medical City Denton, Corey received a month of specialized care at Select Specialty Hospital – Dallas Plano, where he was liberated from his ventilator and prepared for the next step of his recovery, inpatient rehabilitation. Alicia chose the advanced brain injury rehabilitation program at Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation (BSWIR) - Dallas and its Model System of care to help Corey regain his independence.
When Corey arrived at BSWIR - Dallas, he was unable to eat and had a feeding tube for nutrition. Needing individualized rehabilitation care, Corey was dependent on assistance for basic movements and daily activities. To communicate, Corey would respond to simple yes-and-no questions and answered by moving the left hand and both feet. Recovery from a TBI is tough, but it was clear that Corey was ready for the challenge. He had a strong desire “to move my body by myself.”
At that time, Alicia's only wish for her husband was for him to be able to play with their two young children and be a part of their lives again.
The physician-led rehabilitation team at BSWIR - Dallas soon employed a multifaceted approach to address Corey’s needs. His physical therapists focused on improving his posture, trunk control and overall mobility. At first, Corey required extensive support and assistance from two or three therapists during his sessions. His physical therapy exercises included those in the prone position (lying on stomach) and kneeling to target key areas. He also did many sit-to-stand exercises using a mirror for feedback. Corey also utilized equipment such as a standing frame, EKSO and LiteGait harness, all of which supported his weight and helped him progress safely.
Corey’s occupational therapists addressed his right arm mobility, which was significantly affected by nerve damage from the accident, with a tailored shoulder program that included therapy tape, a shoulder sling and arm exercises. With consistent therapy sessions, Corey regained some movement in his arm and improved his ability to perform personal care tasks, such as eating, brushing his teeth, dressing and showering. His progress in writing was also notable – he went from being unable to write at all to creating legible grocery lists.
Speech therapy targeted Corey’s communication and cognitive skills. The therapist created activities specifically for Corey, who loved to rap. Alicia provided a video of him rapping and had him practice rapping along with the video to increase his ability to initiate talking and making his sentences longer. To increase his thinking skills, his speech therapist utilized his knowledge as a paramedic and discussed simulated case-studies and what he would do in those situations. His hard work paid off.
“His speech was affected by his brain injury and he would only speak in single words, and now he is able to talk in complex sentences and hold a conversation,” said Alicia.
The speech therapist also conducted swallow evaluations to assess and targeted exercises to strengthen his swallowing capabilities, which allowed Corey to transition from a feeding tube to eating and drinking independently.
As he gained more practice and control, he even could walk with reduced assistance and without devices.
In addition to the support of the staff and his family, his wife Alicia highlighted the importance of the TBI peer mentor program, where the story of another brain injury survivor provided support and inspiration. The comprehensive care Corey received in six weeks at BSWIR - Dallas not only facilitated his physical recovery but also empowered the family with the knowledge and resources to continue his rehabilitation journey.
“The rehab team brought their individual skills, expertise and passion every single day... just like Corey had to show up, they showed up and it truly was a team effort,” said Alicia. “Without these resources, we would not be where we are today.”
As Corey prepared to transition to the Center for Neuro Skills for continued care, he reflected on the journey with gratitude and hope. He offered this message to others facing similar challenges: “Take it one day at a time… just wait and see and put in your best effort in getting better.”