Michelle McHugh

Qualifications

BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy

Specialisms

Brain & Spinal Cord Injuries, Neurological Degenerative Conditions, Stroke & Parkinson’s

Introduction

I qualified as an occupational therapist in 2015 and have always had a keen interest and passion for neurology. Since qualifying, I have had exposure to all types of neurology cases and have specialised in neurological OT. 

I work as a highly specialist occupational therapist for an NHS Neurology Rehabilitation team. I have a varied caseload of neurological conditions including, but not limited to, traumatic and acquired brain injuries, all levels of spinal cord injuries, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, cortical basal syndrome, all types of strokes, cerebellar ataxia, muscular dystrophy and Guillain-Barre Syndrome. I have extensive experience in upper limb management in relation to spasticity and splinting, 24-hour posture and positioning, specialist seating including wheelchairs, visual and sensory impairment, cognitive-communicative deficits including standardised cognitive assessments, different methods of manual handling. I have a level 4 qualification in Single Handed Care. My current role also facilitates my development in leadership skills.

I have experience in assessing sensory deficits for acute and community-based patients. This has predominantly been in terms of a neurological event. In terms of vision, I have experience in assessing for visual inattention, nystagmus, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, oculomotor control and diplopia. As an OT this will always relate to functional tasks too.

I have gained considerable experience in home adaptations, specialist equipment and environmental controls. During my early OT years, I also gained experience in care of the elderly, acute medicine, trauma, orthopaedics and hand therapy. This continues to facilitate my practice today as many neurological cases encompass co-morbidities in their presentation. 

I also work ad-hoc with Headway West London as a group facilitator for their REACTIVATE group for people living with brain injuries. I facilitate running their groups a few times a year and speak about fatigue management and cognitive functioning. This work continues to build my network and opportunities to speak at conferences. I was a guest speaker in February 2024 for "Pre-term Adults Group" conference and spoke about brain development and the impact of a brain injury on daily functioning.

I accept instructions from both claimant and defendant solicitors and insurers. I have undergone formal training in the medico-legal process and am fully aware of my responsibilities under Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) pertaining to expert witnesses.