PRESS RELEASES
Neuro-Robotic Technology for Stroke Victims
NORTHEAST HEALTH SYSTEM FIRST IN NATION TO USE MYOMO® NEURO-ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGY FOR STROKE VICTIMS
Revolutionary MIT Technology Utilized in Acute Care and Outpatient Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing and Home Care Programs
(Beverly, MA) – Northeast Health System (NHS), which includes Beverly and Addison Gilbert hospitals, is the first health system in the nation to implement Myomo (which stands for My Own Motion), an innovative stroke rehabilitation technology, in its acute care and outpatient rehabilitation programs and its skilled nursing and home care environments.
The Myomo e100 Neuro-Robotic System™ enables brain-injured patients to restore movement of paralyzed arms through a patented closed feedback learning mechanism. The robotic arm brace, based on technology developed in conjunction with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, senses muscle signals that indicate deliberate intention to move and then provides electronically-assisted movement. The process engages both neurological and motor pathways, reinforcing brain-to-body feedback, in such a way that motor function can be re-learned and restored. Sixteen rehabilitation therapists throughout NHS have been certified to use the Myomo system.
“We are very excited to be able to offer this cutting-edge technology to our patients throughout our vast continuum of care,” said Ken Hanover, president and CEO of Northeast Health System. “As a system, we are committed to implementing and achieving a higher standard of stroke care for our patients whether it be in the early onset stages in our emergency departments or in the later stages through our numerous rehabilitation programs.”
Stroke is the country's leading cause of serious long-term disability, according to the American Heart Association. Reports indicate that approximately 50 percent of people who survive a stroke have one-sided paralysis. Two thirds have residual neurological deficits that persistently impair function. Only 5 percent of stroke survivors regain full arm function after stroke. For decades, research scientists presumed that the chances of a stroke survivor's recovery would plateau after the first three-to-six months following a stroke. Fortunately, scientific evidence now suggests that the opportunity for stroke recovery persists well beyond that window of time.
Northeast Health System, Inc.
Northeast Health System, Inc. (NHS) is an integrated healthcare system comprised of a network of hospitals, behavioral health, senior health and human service affiliates offering North Shore residents general and specialized medical care. Along with Beverly, Addison Gilbert and BayRidge hospitals and the Beverly Hospital at Danvers Medical and Day Surgery Center – NHS’s four acute care facilities – behavioral health services are provided through Health & Education Services, Inc., while substance abuse and preventative services are available through CAB Health & Recovery Services, Inc. In addition, NHS offers senior health services through a continuum of care including skilled nursing and assisted living centers and community based programs.
