Marcus' Story
Brain injury
“Before the fall, I thought I was invincible.”
These reflective and introspective words came from Marcus “Kevin” O’Quin, a 74-year-old insurance adjuster from San Angelo. Now retired, Kevin is an artistic explorer, with multiple hobbies including acrylic art painting, making violins, photography, astronomy, woodworking and coin collecting.
Kevin had been playing with his Labrador when the dog ran past him, causing him to trip and fall against a brick column.
The fall caused a head injury and multiple facial fractures. “I guess I was knocked unconscious because I was out there for a little bit,” Kevin recalled.
When he woke up, he called his wife, who came home and took him to the ER at Shannon Medical Center, where he was diagnosed with not just a head injury - but a brain injury. The fall caused a subdural hemorrhage, when blood collects between the brain and skull due to a tear in a vessel. Surgeons performed emergency surgery to remove the blood. He was then transferred to Dell Seton Medical Center to repair the fractures around his orbital bone.
It was clear that Kevin’s injury had a profound impact on his ability to walk without assistance, speak coherently and caused memory deficits. After achieving medical stability, his doctors recommended a comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation program to support his recovery of mobility and independence.
Kevin’s wife and daughter, determined to find the best care for him, reached deep into their network, eventually selecting Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation (BSWIR) - Lakeway. A personal tour confirmed Lakeway was the right fit.
Upon his admission to BSWIR - Lakeway, Kevin struggled to participate fully in therapy due to limited endurance and persistent pain. His physician-led team of occupational, physical and speech therapists developed a customized plan that included physical, occupational and speech therapies.
Speech therapy was particularly significant for Kevin, who laughingly emphasized, “When you fall and face-plant and hit your head on your frontal lobe, it rings your bell.” Since the frontal lobe is the area of the brain responsible for speech and language, it can make words difficult to recall and to pronounce. Kevin benefited from therapy targeting cognitive-communication abilities as well as speech and language to improve overall functional communication with family and staff members. By the time he left, he was able to engage in complex conversation.
Kevin’s physical therapy sessions focused on strengthening his legs, improving balance and building endurance. This was accomplished using the parallel bars for balance and support as well as body weight supported harnesses while walking. As he progressed, his therapist created obstacle courses for him to improve balance and gait while exercising other skills, such as a visual scanning and planning.
Kevin’s occupational therapist worked with him on strength and coordination to accomplish everyday tasks, like grooming, getting dressed and eating. He also used a software-based therapy tool that uses a large touchscreen with programmed exercises to improve his physical, visual and cognitive abilities.
Kevin’s hard work paid off when he reached a significant milestone: walking 150 feet without a walker.
“Finding the confidence in myself to push through, even on the days I felt discouraged, was a turning point,” he said. More than that, Kevin no longer struggled to participate in therapy. He was able to accomplish three hours in a day—and looked forward to it!
His family’s strong support was essential throughout Kevin’s recovery. His wife was by his side daily, while his daughter and son, along with their children, offered encouragement. “My wife and daughter participated in family training with the therapy team,” said Kevin.
After three weeks of rehabilitation, Kevin was ready to return home to San Angelo. “It’s been tough being away, and I’m looking forward to being back with my friends and eating at my favorite restaurants,” he said with a smile.
Despite the initial hurdles, Kevin’s commitment and positive outlook were pivotal. “I learned how fragile a human body can be,” he admitted.
Reflecting further on his experience, Kevin expressed gratitude for the compassionate care he received at BSWIR - Lakeway. “I’ve had the best care and the best training I could have had anywhere.”