What you need to know?
You may be able to continue driving safely again, depending on how serious your injury is and how much function you have regained.
If you can drive, you may need to buy a vehicle that suits your unique needs after the injury.
Vehicles can be altered with special ...
What Is Nutrition?
Nutrition is the way your body uses the six major nutrients needed for health and function.
Water
Fats
Protein
Vitamins
Carbohydrates
Minerals
Why Is Nutrition Important?
Your body changes after spinal cord injury (SCI). There is usually reduced muscle and bone mass, added fat, and other changes that make it critical to follow a healthy diet ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
What is the study about?
This study was conducted to develop a set of items to measure physical functioning in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). The goal of the new assessments is to develop an improved SCI-Functional Index (SCI-FI).
What did the study find?
The results of the study indicate that a ...
The Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center presents an audio factsheet on Bone Loss After Spinal Cord Injury. The factsheet was developed by Leslie R. Morse, D.O.; Trevor A. Dyson-Hudson, M.D.; and William A. Bauman, M.D., in collaboration with the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center. The information in this factsheet is ...
What is the study about?
This study aims to examine the effect of early intravenous (IV) zoledronic acid (ZA) on bone markers and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) in persons with acute ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) A traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) (i.e., a person with no motor or sensory function ...
What you need to know
Low bone density occurs when the body loses too much bone. This causes weak bones that are easier to break. Bone loss can occur immediately after spinal cord injury (SCI) and can continue rapidly for several years after the injury. The medical term for low bone ...
The aim of this project is to conduct a randomized controlled trial (RCT) using the Stanford Chronic Disease Self-Management Program to provide persons living with burn injury the skills to navigate their recovery and long-term outcomes. Newly generated data from the RCT will further enhance research and models of care ...
In close collaboration with women from our National Community Advisory Board (NCAB), this study is a randomized controlled trial of our intervention, Zest: Promoting the Psychological Health of Women with SCI. We will enroll a national sample of women with SCI, half of whom will be offering the program in ...
Adjustment is how you adapt to or become used to changes in your life. CI affects almost every aspect of your life when it happens, and it can be hard to put your life back in order and adjust to living with SCI.
What is the study about?
This study aims to examine links between SCIRehab patients and injury characteristics, inpatient rehabilitation treatment, and outcomes at 5-years post-injury. The SCIRehab project was designed to examine what treatments lead to the best outcomes for people with SCI. Outcomes included measures of physical independence, societal participation, ...
What is the study about?
This study asked if “My Care My Call” (MCMC), a telephone program using a peer health coach, could improve selfmanagement in adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). Self-management is a person’s ability and willingness to handle the daily management of his/her health. After 6 months, the ...