A Reflection on "Multiple Sclerosis - Breea's Story" YouTube Video

 

Retrieved from: Understanding Multiple Sclerosis | Brain Institute | OHSU

To further my understanding of multiple sclerosis, I watched the YouTube video " Multiple Sclerosis - Breea's Story". The video started off by showing Breea cheering on her cheering leading team and proceeded to ask people "Who is Breea to you?". Many people described her as " my friend, classmate, homegirl, and my hero".  In 2011, Breea collapsed ad became paralyzed on her left side within 24 hours. She was 18, and a high school senior cheerleader at the time. Her diagnosis is severe onset of multiple sclerosis. After her diagnosis, she became blind in her left eye and could not talk or swallow. Because of this, she was in the hospital for a total of 6 weeks. During those 6 weeks in the hospital, she received 7 blood plasma transfusions and monthly Tysabri infusions to get her stronger. The video showed Breea getting stronger throughout the weeks. She was eventually able to gently squeeze her mother's hand and was able to wiggle her toe. Breea then progressed to lifting her right leg when standing, while holding on to someone. The video also showed Breea's brain scans through 2021-2023. In 2021 there were huge "white spots" in her brain. In 2022, you could visibly see the white spots getting smaller and smaller. When 2023 came around, the spots were as small as they have ever been. Months began to pass, and Breea was getting stronger and stronger. On the 8th month mark, she was able to jump for the first time. Breea graduated from high school and proceeded to go to college at NAU. At the time, she was still in a leg brace for long-distance walking and was working on gaining back all of her strength. She hopes to be able to cheer again.

As I mentioned, Breea was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. So, what exactly is that? Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system that is described as "unpredictable". It disrupts the connection and communication between the brain and the body. As seen in the picture above, the myelin is damaged in the cells of someone who has multiple sclerosis, or MS for short. In my neurobiology class, we learned that myelin is the insulation around our neurons. It allows electrical impulses to travel quickly between one another. When the myelin is damaged the impulses can become slow and possibly cause neurological problems, like multiple sclerosis. Because of this, individuals may face many challenges.

The role of an occupational therapist is very important for individuals that have MS. One of the main goals of OT is to help clients live a more independent life. When someone has MS, routines that many of us may think are simple or easy can be very challenging for them. An occupational therapist can give an individual with MS, tools they may need to complete everyday activities. I recommend this video to others to further their learning of multiple sclerosis. I chose this YouTube video to watch because I thought it would be interesting to watch Breea's experience with MS from her and her family's viewpoint. Breea's personal experience was a great way to show how the disease affected her physically. The video also should how much support Breea had from her family and friends, which was awesome to see!

References

YouTube. (2012, September 8). Multiple sclerosis-BREEA’s Story.wmv. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfD9s1_TN0s

What is ms?. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. (n.d.). https://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS?gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0IGnBhDUARIsAMwFDLmxGMG2gHc6snXFnpNdP0n73YYPWZJfIAouYVaPjyHagG1akicpk7YaAif0EALw_wcB