Arteriovenous Malformation Recovery: Silas Turner’s Incredible Journey

On March 12, 2024, the Turner family’s lives took an unexpected turn. Silas Turner, their lively and energetic 17-year-old son, complained of a pounding headache and started vomiting. Within minutes, he became unresponsive to instructions. His father called 911, and Silas was rushed to Wolfson Children’s Hospital via ambulance. A CT scan revealed that Silas had blood on his brain, leading doctors to suspect an arteriovenous malformation (AVM).

He was intubated, placed in a medically induced coma and underwent an embolization procedure to address the AVM. Drains were also inserted to relieve the pressure caused by the blood. Silas remained in a coma for ten days before being extubated and closely monitored. In addition to the AVM, it was discovered that he had suffered two aneurysms and a hemorrhagic stroke.

“The care Silas received in the PICU at Wolfson’s was extraordinary,” recalls Lori Turner, Silas’ mom. “The medical staff were kind and attentive, the doctors involved us in daily and nightly rounds and the hospital allowed us to spend every night in Silas’ room.”

Silas’ parents were understandably apprehensive about his transition to Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital on April 15. However, they soon discovered the amazing experience Brooks had to offer.

A new chapter at Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital

Upon admission to Brooks, Silas was assigned to a beautiful, colorful room with space for his parents to sleep overnight. Despite his severe condition and frequent vomiting, the inpatient nurses and therapists were kind and patient. Connie Prudencio, MD, pediatric medical director, prescribed, Silas a Scopolamine patch, typically used for seasickness, which significantly reduced his vomiting episodes.

“Silas started building greater stamina with standing and taking steps,” Lori shares. “He was able to participate in his three- to four-hour intensive therapy sessions each day with compassionate but determined therapists.”

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) challenged his memory and reasoning daily, while also providing valuable information about brain injuries. Occupational therapists focused on everyday skills such as walking, brushing his teeth, showering, catching a ball and playing games. Physical therapists gave him intense workouts, using a harness to practice walking, riding an adult tricycle and shooting baskets.

“The therapists collectively helped Silas improve his communication and physical stamina,” Lori remembers. “We were slightly saddened on May 9 when Silas exited the inpatient program with a heartwarming bell-ringing ceremony. However, we did not realize what an incredible experience awaited Silas in outpatient therapy.”

Thriving in the pediatric day program

Following his inpatient success, Silas transitioned to Brooks’ Pediatric Day Program, starting with an outing at Top Golf. This fun day allowed Silas to meet the therapists and students he would interact with throughout his outpatient therapy.

The next week, Silas began his intensive therapy schedule, attending sessions five days a week from 1 – 4 p.m. His adult sister, Sydney, accompanied him to every appointment, providing essential support and bonding with the therapists, having recently graduated with her degree in speech-language pathology. Silas’ therapy routine was rigorous and focused on improving his physical strength and executive function. He worked on various exercises to address his “left neglect” and left-side weakness, gradually progressing from walking to climbing stairs and running. Advanced equipment, such as weights and a treadmill with colored lights, helped him rebuild his strength and coordination.

Speech therapy involved numerous memory and problem-solving exercises, including multi-step tasks like planning a trip to the movies and making Play-Doh. Kickball games between teams of therapists and students became a regular part of his routine, adding an element of fun to his recovery.

One of the most impactful activities was reintroducing Silas to playing the trumpet. “The SLP had Silas memorize music for marching band and practice coordination while marching around the courtyard. This prepared him to rejoin the marching band at Paxon, a significant milestone in his recovery,” said Mrs. Turner.

Throughout the Pediatric Day Program, Silas was not only healing physically but also building meaningful relationships with his therapists, who became like family. His progress was remarkable, and while we were ecstatic about his achievements, it was bittersweet to see him graduate from the program on July 25.

A bright future ahead

Today, Silas is happily back in school, thriving academically and socially. However, he fondly remembers his time at Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital and often expresses a desire to see his Pediatric Day Program care team.