A pressure sore (also called pressure ulcer, decubitus ulcer, decubiti (plural), bedsore or skin breakdown) is an area of the skin or underlying tissue (muscle, bone) that is damaged due to loss of blood flow to the area. Blood flow to the skin keeps it alive and healthy. If the ...
Can paralysis caused by spinal cord injury be reversed?
Everyone wants to know if there is a “cure” for spinal cord injury (SCI). There continues to be significant progress made toward this goal, but, despite any claim that there is a cure, there is currently no cure or proven way to ...
What is the spine?
The spine (also known as the “backbone”) is the connected column of bones running from your head to your lower back. A single bone is called a “vertebra” (pronounced VER-teh-brah), and multiple bones are called “vertebrae” (pronounced VER-teh-bray). The figure shows the spine and vertebrae.
The figure also ...
Click the triangle below to listen to the podcast brief and access the transcript by clicking here.
MSKTC Radio · Understanding SCI
These factsheets are intended to be a starting point for understanding the normal functions of the spinal cord and how those functions might change after spinal cord injury (SCI). The ...
How can I tell if I have a pressure sore?
First signs. One of the first signs of a possible skin sore is a reddened, discolored or darkened area (an African American’s skin may look purple, bluish or shiny). It may feel hard and warm to the touch.
A pressure sore has ...
Areas where bones are close to the surface (called "bony prominences") and areas that are under the most pressure are at greatest risk for developing pressure sores.
In bed, body parts can be padded with pillows or foam to keep bony prominences (areas where bones are close to the skin surface) ...
What is skin tolerance?
Skin tolerance is how much time your skin can stand to be under pressure before damage starts to occur. Each person's skin tolerance is different. Some people may need to relieve pressure very often, others may not have to do it as often, but they still need ...
What do I need to know?
Ninety-five percent of all pressure sores are preventable!
After spinal cord injury, your skin requires daily care and a lot of attention.
You will need to spend time daily cleaning the skin, keeping it dry (from incontinence or perspiration), checking the skin for problems or changes, moving ...
What do I need to know?
Individuals with SCI are at high risk for developing pressure sores.
Pressure sores can be life threatening.
Possible complications:
Infections can develop and spread to the blood, heart and bone.
Amputations
Prolonged bed rest necessary for healing can keep you out of work, school and social activities for months.
Because ...
What is the study about?
Survival within two years after spinal cord injury (SCI) has greatly improved over the past few decades, although long-term survival after the first two years has not shown significant improvement. However, people with SCI still have higher rates of mortality than people without SCI. To better ...
What is the study about?
This study investigated the effectiveness of CareCall, an interactive, low-cost phone system developed for adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Callers to CareCall receive automated medical support and information. Researchers looked at how CareCall is used by and benefits people with SCI ...
The pressure relief technique you use will depend on your level of injury, the type of wheelchair you use and how much movement and strength you have in your arms and shoulders.
Tilting or reclining
If you are unable to perform independent pressure reliefs, you can use a power tilt wheelchair for ...
People with SCI are more likely than the general population to have health problems related to not being active. Regular exercise can help to reduce the risk of health problems after SCI.
What is the study about?
This study looked at how physical activity (PA) effects depression and satisfaction with life (SWL) in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) using both subjective and objective measures. This could lead to better options for people with SCI to improve their quality of life (QOL).
What did ...
What is the study about?
Generally, obesity is associated with greater bone mineral density (BMD). However, there are additional factors that affect the relationship between fat tissue and BMD. This study investigates the relationships between BMD, walking status, and molecules released by fat tissue in men with chronic spinal cord injury ...
What is the study about?
Medical and rehabilitation care advances have contributed to an increase in the number of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) who are able to regain and maintain ambulatory (walking) abilities. However, some studies have implied that the risk of falls is higher for ambulatory persons with ...