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Thomas L. Clouse
In October 1997, Dr. Tom Clouse's world was forever changed when an evaluating neurologist informed him, "I'm sorry to tell you that you have a neurodegenerative disorder, and you will not be able ...view moreIn October 1997, Dr. Tom Clouse's world was forever changed when an evaluating neurologist informed him, "I'm sorry to tell you that you have a neurodegenerative disorder, and you will not be able to continue as a general surgeon. Also, as your symptoms and deteriorating movements progress, you will need to simplify your life to better cope with the changes. I wish there were something we could offer you in treatment or therapy, but there is nothing that seems to help." Dr. Clouse's productive life was thrown into a spiraling tailspin. The neurodegenerative disorder is spinocerebellar atrophy, and the affected parts of his brain are the cerebellum and brain stem. The disorder causes these areas to slowly degenerate, to become smaller, and this negatively affects his speech and movements. Subsequently, due to his increasing movement difficulties and near-daily falling episodes, in 2003 a neurologist advised him to begin using a walker for his safety. But he refused, determined he could do better. Instead of surrendering to the progressive degenerative effects of the disorder as the medical understanding said was inevitable, Dr. Clouse rejected his colleagues' advice, while strongly questioning and refuting some of the beliefs and information those without the disorder had published. Why? Living with the effects of the disorder, and discovering how he was able to substantially correct his movements and speech, he had improved when they had stated he could not. Through only his personal efforts and determination, Dr. Clouse worked on how to improve his movements, and succeeded to such an extent that he regained and has retained his ability to function in a near-normal capacity. As a result, he has traveled extensively throughout the United States and internationally, working with other movement-impaired people to help them improve. His discoveries and techniques fill the pages of this book.view less
Books by Thomas L. Clouse
Reclaiming Natural Movement: Practical and effective therapy for ataxic movements due to neurodegenerative disorders and other causes