New technology will help West Nile victim walk
By JoAn Bjarko
North Forty News
Having survived West Nile encephalitis three years ago, Elizabeth Zopff
of Loveland is eager to walk without a cane and chase her 3-year-old around
the playground.
This long-awaited goal will be possible with new technology just released
for home use by people with a number of debilitating conditions such as
stroke, traumatic brain injury and multiple sclerosis. Zopff, bitten by
a WNV-carrying mosquito in a horse barn, developed brain lesions from the
virus and has been unable to control her lower right leg.
"I walked without my cane the other day for the first time in two years,"
Zopff said at a March press conference at the Center for Neurorehabilitation
Services in Fort Collins.
Zopff's therapy includes the NESS L300(tm), a wireless communication device
that uses functional stimulation technology to tell her foot to move at
the right time. The developer, Bioness Inc., has a partnership with the
Center for Neurorehabilitation, which serves as a regional evaluation and
treatment site.
Lightweight and easy to use, the L300 includes a small gait sensor that
detects when Zopff's heel hits the ground. It wirelessly signals a nerve
stimulator wrapped around her leg, and that contracts the muscles that
pull up her foot. The result is a more natural gait and stability for people
with foot drop.
"I consider this a miracle," Zopff said. "It's absolutely life-changing."
It's possible, that the stimulator could help rebuild connective patterns
for motor recovery, but it's too early to tell in Zopff's case, said her
physical therapist Amanda Barnhart.
Because the device costs $5,900, Zopff is raising funds for both herself
and others who can benefit from the L300. She's set up a web site, www.biobraceforme.com,
to solicit donations. The site includes an online auction of donated art
works. People can also mail tax-deductible donations to Bio Brace For Me,
P.O. Box 1584, Loveland, CO 80539. The campaign is sponsored by A Walk
Free Foundation.
The encephalitis also affected Zopff's cognitive skills and she is unable
to work. Though insurance might cover part of the cost of the L300, she
has many other medical bills.
"Now on disability, I am struggling just to get the medications I need
each month and pay basic living expenses," Zopff said on her web site.
"Even with health insurance, it is a constant struggle."
Even a gift of $1 will help, she said.
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