Christopher Biggs, a 50-year-old property manager from Spartanburg, South Carolina, enjoys riding motorcycles (owning two Harley-Davidsons), woodworking, and collecting and shooting guns.

One evening, Christopher began experiencing a right-sided headache that fluctuated in intensity. By midnight, it had worsened, causing nausea and vomiting. After showering, his wife helped him to bed, where the headache intensified. Christopher told his wife that it felt like a bright light was shining directly in his right eye. He then said, “I think I’m having a stroke,” and lost memory of the following events until he was hospitalized. His wife immediately called 911 to get Christopher to a hospital.

At the hospital, the medical staff administered tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) to dissolve blood clots that can block blood flow to the brain. An MRI revealed a right pontine stroke, which caused slurred speech and weakness on Christopher’s left side. The stroke had affected his brainstem, which controls movement and speech.

After his initial treatment, Christopher selected Spartanburg Rehabilitation Institute (SRI) for specialized rehabilitative care, encouraged by positive feedback from friends and family about the facility and its renowned stroke program. SRI holds a national certification in stroke rehabilitation from The Joint Commission, demonstrating the hospital’s commitment to achieving better outcomes for stroke patients.

Upon arrival at SRI, Christopher focused on improving his left upper extremity, working on range of motion, fine motor skills, and strength – limitations that were affecting his ability to perform daily tasks. He also worked on improving his balance and body awareness, which were impacting his ability to walk and increased his risk of falling. Through intensive physical and occupational therapy treatments, Christopher focused on strength, neuromuscular re-education, activities of daily living, and gait training. His goal was to be able to shoot his guns again.

After three weeks, Christopher regained his strength and independence and walked out of the facility using only a cane.

“I was determined from Day One to overcome any challenges from my stroke,” Christopher says. “I’m thrilled with the positive outcomes of my rehabilitation and look forward to returning to work and enjoying my hobbies.”