 | Robb Rose is Director of Marketing Operations at Wesley Rehabilitation Hospital of Wichita. Robb is also a Respiratory Therapist, Boarded Disability Analyst and Adjunct Faculty for Wichita Sate University. He holds a Masters in Human Resources from Webster University. Robb serves on the American Lung Association Regional Council and the American Heart Association Board of Directors. Robb is married and has 2 children. He can be reached at (316) 729-9999 |
Health & Rehabilitation
2008-12-01 14:19:00
What can one expect from SCI?
Question: What kind of outcomes/results can be expected for someone suffering a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)?
Answer: First, it’s important to know what part of the spine was injured and how quickly the injury received medical treatment. A rehabilitation team involved early in treatment can provide substantial positive outcomes.
Spinal cord injury is one of the most debilitating and devastating injuries in our country. About 11,000 spinal cord injuries occur every year, and 225,000-296,000 Americans live with an SCI.
SCI Goals
•Early diagnosis and intervention
•Treatment and prevention of further complications
•Limiting the extent of the injury
•Initiation actions that prevent further predictable complications
Most SCIs (44 percent) are the result of motor vehicle accidents, followed by violence (24 percent), and then accidental falls (22 percent).
Think of the spinal cord as the body’s largest nerve. Damage to:
•Higher cervical (neck) areas result in breathing, neck, arm, and leg issues
•Thoracic or trunk of the body can affect thoracic body systems and legs
•Lumbar/sacral (lower back) areas can affect the legs
Damage to the spinal cord also can result in issues related to bowel, bladder and sexual function. Medical anatomy has differentiated nerves coming off of the spinal cord and their functions, so understanding where the specific damage occurred provides an understanding of the expected outcomes and impact upon resulting abilities/disabilities.
With a solid team approach in a rehab setting, most patients can return to their home; fewer than 3 percent will go to a nursing home. A team providing physical therapy, occupational therapy, rehab nursing, speech therapy, audiology, respiratory therapy, dietician, psychology, vocational therapy and recreational therapy — led by a physiatrist (physician specializing in physical medicine) — can have amazing results. Support of family, friends and other caregivers and involvement in support groups is crucial for the immediate and long term.
Basic rehab can be a real challenge when dealing with something as intense as a spinal cord injury, so look for an inpatient rehab facility that provides some fun such as a movie theatre, Wii™ therapy, outings to restaurants and shopping, music therapy, animal therapies (dogs, birds, fish for assistance and stimulus).
For dealing with a spinal cord injury, seek professionalism with trust and honesty as you face mobility issues, bowel and bladder challenges, sexuality education and technologies, skin care, social-psychological changes and other complications such as respiratory and urinary tract infections.
A tight team of inpatient rehab professionals can help get you back to your life!
