Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can affect every aspect of a person's life, including their ability to live independently. While these types of injuries can be overwhelming, there are solutions to help facilitate rehabilitation. Understanding all aspects of a patient's health and formulating a unique care plan can help promote an environment for Maximum Medical Improvement.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

When a spinal cord sustains injury, various functions of the patient’s body will be affected. Short and long-term rehabilitation goals are often dependent on the type of spinal cord injury a patient experiences. There are two types of spinal cord injuries. 

A complete spinal cord injury. This type of spinal cord injury is marked by permanent damage to the area the injury affects. This often results in paraplegia or tetraplegia.   An incomplete spinal cord injury. This type of spinal cord injury is marked by the spinal cord being partially damaged. Severity of symptoms can depend on the area injured, as well as the level of injury.

Symptoms of a spinal cord injury are wide ranging and should also be handled on a case-by-case basis. Symptoms typically depend on the injury’s location, as well as the severity of the injury.

Common Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries Include:

• Loss or altered sensation in limbs.
• Loss or disruption of bowel or bladder control.
• Muscle spasms or limb jerking motions.
• Pain or other intense sensations.
• Loss or altered state of mobility.

While a spinal cord injury causes many physical symptoms, it also affects a patient’s independence. Often this results in other secondary issues as well, including ulcers, infections, fractures, pulmonary complications, and depressive disorders.

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

Early rehabilitation after a spinal cord injury is pertinent to help in preventing additional damage, as well as promote recovery. The main goal of rehabilitation is guidance towards independent mobilization. The treatment and rehabilitation process for a spinal cord injury can be long and intensive. Well-constructed rehabilitation programs typically take a multidisciplinary approach.

When a patient is no longer hospitalized, the care team will need to focus on the level of mobility when compared to the severity of the injury to promote independence. Home modifications are typically recommended to allow a patient to live independently. This can include modifying doors, entryways, bathrooms, and the height of certain appliances or switches. The patient may also utilize the walking devices, including crutches or walkers.

Case Management That Works for The Individual

A spinal cord injury can happen to anyone. However, management and care plans should be individualized to fit the unique needs of each patient. The ability to recognize the need for implementing custom solutions is only one step of the process. Implementation of these solutions make all the difference in the recovery process, as well as the quality of life for a patient.

Learn How We Can Help

At SCM Associates, we provide innovative healthcare services because we believe that every patient deserves the highest quality of life possible. Our team of professional pride themselves on educating, coordinating, and implementing winning solutions for providers and patients alike. Get in touch with our team today to learn more about our innovative offerings that keep costs low and put the patient first.