Diaphragmatic Pacing in Spinal Cord Injury
Key points • The diaphragm is innervated by cervical nerves C3 to C5, but a patient may be able to mobilize the diaphragm with only partial innervation of the diaphragm….
Reducing Cardiometabolic Disease in Spinal Cord Injury
Accelerated cardiometabolic disease is a serious health hazard after spinal cord injuries (SCI). Lifestyle intervention with diet and exercise remains the cornerstone of effective cardiometabolic syndrome treatment. Behavioral approaches enhance…
Dual Diagnosis
Key points • Spinal cord injury (SCI) patients should be assessed for a co-occurring traumatic brain injury (TBI) on admission to a rehabilitation program. • Incidence of a dual diagnosis…
Functional Electrical Stimulation and Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) can disrupt communications between the brain and the body, resulting in loss of control over otherwise intact neuromuscular systems. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) of the central…
Spasticity and the Use of Intrathecal Baclofen in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury
Muscle spasms and spasticity constitute a significant problem in patients with spinal cord injury, interfering with rehabilitation and leading to impairments in quality of life in addition to medical complications….
Spinal Cord Injury Pressure Ulcer Treatment
Pressure ulcers continue to impact the lives of spinal cord injury patients severely. Pressure ulcers must be accurately staged according to National Pressure Ulcer Advisory recommendations before treatment design. The…
Hypothermia as a Clinical Neuroprotectant
Applying therapeutic hypothermia (TH) for the purposes of neuroprotection, originally termed “hibernation,” started nearly 100 years ago. Because TH cooling systems have improved to the point where it is practical…
Strategies for Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections in Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction
In this article, the problem of urinary tract infections (UTIs) after spinal cord injury and disorders is defined, the relationship of bladder management to UTIs is discussed, and mechanical and…
Chronic Neuropathic Pain in SCI
Chronic neuropathic pain develops in approximately 40% of people after a spinal cord injury (SCI) and is notoriously difficult to treat. Because of the frequent presence of more than one…
Assessment of Neuromuscular Conditions Using Ultrasound
Upper extremity pain in persons with spinal cord injury is a common cause of morbidity. Ultrasound of nerve, muscle, and tendon has the potential to become a valuable modality in…
