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 ...
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) ...
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 ...
What is the study about?
Infections are prevalent complications in SCI patients and are facilitated by a systemic spinal cord injury immune deficiency syndrome (SCI-IDS). This study looked at the effect of pneumonia or wound infection on hospitalized patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Pneumonia is an infection in one or ...
What is the study about?
This study examined neurological and functional outcomes for individuals with penetrating spinal cord injuries (PSCI) following surgical and nonsurgical treatment. Researchers looked at both complete and incomplete spinal cord injury. A complete injury is one in which there is a total lack of sensation and movement ...
What is a pressure injury?
Pressure injury is a newer term for what people might know as a pressure sore, pressure ulcer, decubitus ulcer, bedsore or skin breakdown. The term changed because not all stages of injuries caused by pressure are actually open “sores” or “ulcers.” However, the meaning is similar. ...
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 ...
Having a spinal cord injury (SCI) does not affect your ability to naturally become pregnant, carry, and deliver a baby, so your decision to have children is made in much the same way as anyone else. This infocomic includes information on pregnancy with SCI to answer the common questions women ...
What is the study about?
This study looked at the prevalence and characteristics of women with spinal cord injury (SCI) who became pregnant during a one year period prior to the study. This study offers insight into the physical, social and demographic characteristics of women with SCI who become pregnant and ...
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 ...
Are you thinking about getting pregnant?
Having a spinal cord injury (SCI) does not affect your ability to naturally become pregnant, carry, and deliver a baby, so your decision to have children is made in much the same way as anyone else. You consider the demands and challenges of parenting and ...
Pain is a serious problem for many people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Pain after SCI can occur in parts of the body where there is normal sensation (feeling) as well as areas that have little or no feeling.