Finding strength and smiles: Spencer's journey back from traumatic brain Injury
When Spencer Hicks came to TriStar Skyline Medical Center in November 2023, his life had suddenly changed.
After a fall in his bathtub, he experienced a traumatic brain injury, a stroke and a spinal cord injury, requiring immediate, specialized care.
Spencer lost strength and movement, especially on his right side. Although he had experienced a brain injury as a child, this recovery would demand far more, and require a full team approach, from acute trauma care through rehabilitation.
“Traumatic brain injuries can affect how a person moves, thinks and feels,” said Dennis Cole, MD, a neurologist at TriStar Skyline. “Early, coordinated care is critical to stabilize patients and support the best possible recovery.”
For nearly a month in the inpatient rehabilitation unit, Spencer showed up each day ready to work toward regaining strength and independence.
He spent time at the nurses’ station talking with colleagues and building connections that became part of his healing, while in the therapy gym, that same energy fueled steady progress.
This month, Spencer returned to TriStar Skyline, not as a patient, but as a visitor, walking back in to thank the team who supported him through one of the most difficult times in his life.
“He’s doing incredible,” said Gretchen Miller, director of rehabilitation services at TriStar Skyline. “Seeing him walk back in, smiling and joking, means so much to all of us.”
He revisited the nurses’ station and therapy gym, the places where his recovery began, now reminders of how far he has come.
Traumatic brain injuries remain a serious health concern, contributing to about 2.8 million emergency visits, hospitalizations and deaths each year in the United States, according to the CDC. Falls are among the most common cases.
At TriStar Skyline, teams are equipped to care for the most serious injuries, providing advanced trauma care and rehabilitation that helps patients heal, regain strength and return to daily life.