Spinal Cord Injury

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Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

Our spinal cord injury treatment focuses on mobility, so patients can go far in life.

When we look into the eyes of a patient with a spinal cord injury, we see their desire to improve. Our spinal cord injury rehabilitation program helps patients regain their independence and reach their maximum potential, while alleviating many worries for their family.

Spinal cord injuries impact each patient in a different way. So, every treatment plan must be personalized.

Spinal cord injury rehabilitation begins after a patient is medically stable following a spinal cord injury (SCI) where the body may experience a complete or partial loss of motor functioning due to a severed or partially damaged spinal cord.

Because each patient’s pre-injury lifestyle is distinctive, their recovery goals must be individualized. The HealthBridge difference stems from our team of experienced doctors, nurses and therapists who implement active, individualized care plans that concentrate on improving a patient’s functionality and mobility. Treatment may include teaching patients how to maneuver a wheelchair in a store, prepare meals, or bathe with little-to-no outside assistance. Throughout our SCI rehabilitation program, they gain more than just increased mobility. They gain greater independence and confidence to help them reach their recovery goals.

Our Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Facilities

At HealthBridge, we have the proven experience to help SCI patients achieve a higher quality of life and we match that expertise and dedication with a family-friendly, community-based environment that is designed to promote emotional well-being and physical comfort. It may take time, but we’ll be there for them every day so that they can have a brighter tomorrow.

HealthBridge…Where specialized care begins and hope never ends

Commonly Asked Questions

The spinal cord extends down from the base of the brain and is comprised of nerves that carry messages between the brain and the rest of the body. A spinal cord injury or SCI is acute damage to the spinal cord that results in partial or complete temporary or permanent loss of function below the site of injury. The extent of this loss depends upon the severity of the injury and impacts strength, sensation and other bodily functions.

A spinal cord injury (SCI) results from significant damage to the vertebrae, ligaments or disks of the spinal column or to the spinal cord itself. The leading cause of spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are automobile accidents under the age of 65, followed by falls, then violence.

There are two types of spinal cord injuries (SCIs) — complete and incomplete. A complete spinal cord injury causes permanent damage and means that there is no function below the level of the injury, causing total sensory and motor function. An incomplete spinal cord injury indicates some level of function and feeling in some parts of the body, allowing some sensation, feeling or movement.

Patients with a complete spinal cord injury (SCI) will not gain full recovery. Patients with an incomplete injury may regain some function, but full recovery is rare. Because of the dismal and devastating prognosis, an SCI patient will require extensive support from family and friends, in addition to some outside intervention to address mental challenges.

When a spinal cord injury (SCI) patient leaves the critical care environment (hospital), he/she will likely be placed in a subacute care environment where they will undergo extensive physical and occupational therapy as well as counseling. It’s not unusual for the patient to participate in rehab for up to three hours daily. This aggressive in-house rehab at a post-acute facility could last months. A person could still regain function up to 18 months after the injury.

Upon returning home, it’s likely an spinal cord injury (SCI) patient will still receive outgoing rehabilitation or day treatment to maintain existing function and prevent some of the secondary medical issues which can occur, including pressure ulcers, muscle spasms, respiratory infections, and chronic pain. In addition, in most cases, the patient will require long-term counseling.

Anyone with a complete of incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) may file a claim with the Social Security Administration for disability benefitis. Qualification is especially difficult during the first round. Disability benefits will only be approved if the injury meets the requirements listed in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book. The application will require evidence of the injury, doctor diagnosis, test results and statements from a broad range of healthcare professionals.

KEY SPINAL CORD INJURY (SCI) STATISTICS

  • Every year, nearly 20,000 people will suffer from a spinal cord injury (SCI). It’s estimated that nearly approximately 300,000 people are currently living with SCI.
  • Nearly 80 percent of all cases are males, who typically demonstrate higher risk behaviors or have higher risk jobs than women.
  • Vehicles crashes are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries, closely followed by falls, then violence — all preventable.
  • Most patients suffering from a spinal cord injury will require long-term rehabilitation. Stays generally last at least one month at a post-acute facility like HealthBridge and depending on the severity of the injury, at times much longer.