The Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center presents an audio factsheet on Understanding SCI: Part 1. The factsheet was developed by Phil Klebine, M.A., in collaboration with the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center. The information in this factsheet is not meant to replace the advice of a medical professional. You should ...
What is the study about?
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) can be divided into two categories: 1) blunt spinal cord injury (BSCI) and 2) penetrating spinal cord injury (PSCI). The aim of this study was to compare BSCI and PSCI trauma to describe differences in the long-term functional and neurological outcomes for ...
What is the study about?
This study aims to assess the link between body mass index (BMI) and one-year mortality among people who survived the first 90 days after spinal cord injury (SCI). The first year after SCI has a significantly higher mortality rate than the following years. To improve life ...
What is the study about?
This study aims to evaluate whether the ability to feel pressure at the S3 dermatome (S3P) (on the buttock over the bone where you sit), and voluntary hip adductor(the muscle that brings the leg toward the midline) or toe flexor(curling the toes downward) contraction (VHTC) can ...
What is the study about?
This study aims to determine if the motor response on the stimulated manual muscle test (SMMT) in muscles with a grade 0 motor score on the muscle test (MMT) can distinguish lower motor neuron (LMN) from upper motor neuron (UMN) injury, based on the presence of ...
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?
Most individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) have shoulder pain. The study investigated the effects of a 12-week home exercise program (HEP) on shoulder pain and function in people with chronic SCI that focused on the supraspinatus tendon (a tendon located on the back of ...
What is the study about?
This study aims to examine the connection between body mass index (BMI) and mortality (i.e., death) after the first year post spinal cord injury (SCI). The study looked at differences across demographic (e.g., marital status, education level) and injury characteristics (i.e., neurologic category). The researcher’s previous ...
This is a podcast brief from the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center. Too often people hear these words, “I’m sorry but you have a spinal cord injury. Your paralyzed and you are probably never going to walk again.” It’s a life changing reality for the one who experiences 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 ...
The Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center presents an audio factsheet on Understanding SCI: Part 2. The factsheet was developed by Phil Klebine, M.A., in collaboration with the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center. The information in this factsheet is not meant to replace the advice of a medical professional. You should ...
The Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Research Advocacy Course is developed by the North American Spinal Cord Injury Consortium. This free online course aims to help individuals with SCI and caregivers to serve as research advocates, and SCI researchers and healthcare providers to effectively partner with the SCI community. Register at:
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What is the study about?
This study describes the demographic and health profile of people living with Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (TSCI) in order to help evlauate health care needs of this population.
What did the study find?
Even though the percentage of people with a bachelor’s degree was similar in the TSCI ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 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 ...
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 ...
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 ...