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Introduction-Spinal Cord Injury Manual, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital And Magee Rehabilitation

Spinal Cord Injury Manual (English)

About this Manual:

This Spinal Cord Injury Manual is designed for use by the person with a spinal cord injury or dysfunction and his or her family. It is a guide to provide information on the many aspects of spinal cord injury and dysfunction. This handbook will help you and your family prepare for discharge from our comprehensive rehabilitation program and supplement lifelong learning about spinal cord injury and dysfunction. The handbook is divided into topic sections and bound in loose-leaf form so that a member of the health care team may use each section in addition to teaching and …

Bowel-Spinal Cord Injury Manual, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital And Magee Rehabilitation

Spinal Cord Injury Manual (English)

Introduction

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) changes the way your body works, especially your bowels. After a spinal cord injury, bowel movements (or stool) require more time, thought and planning. Usually, people with SCI cannot feel when stool is ready to come out; therefore, their bowels need re-training.

Anatomy

What Is the Bowel, and What Does It Do?

The bowel is the last portion of your digestive tract and is sometimes called the large intestine or colon. The digestive tract as a whole is a hollow tube that extends from the mouth to the anus (see illustration below). The function of …

Activities Of Daily Living-Spinal Cord Injury Manual, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital And Magee Rehabilitation

Spinal Cord Injury Manual (English)

Introduction

Activities of daily living (ADL) include eating, drinking, functional bathing, grooming, dressing and toileting. Also included are functional transfers, EADL (Electronic Aids for Daily Living) and home management.

As soon as it is appropriate, you will be encouraged to perform as many of your own ADLs as you can. You may need to learn new techniques, use assistive devices to compensate for decreased muscle strength and range of motion or to compensate for decreased endurance.

ADL training will begin when your therapist determines that you have enough strength, balance and skill to do these tasks. You may practice these …

Respiratory Dependent-Spinal Cord Injury Manual, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital And Magee Rehabilitation

Spinal Cord Injury Manual (English)

Introduction

One of the most important aspects of spinal cord injury care is respiratory management. The previous chapter deals with the effect spinal cord injury has on your ability to breathe while this chapter deals with the management of individuals who are dependent on a ventilator to breathe. This dependency may be temporary or permanent, depending on your level of injury. Please review the previous chapter prior to reading this one.

Artificial Airways

The first step in trying to maintain normal respiratory function is to establish an airway. Spinal cord injury does not affect your airway. However, in order to …

Respiratory-Spinal Cord Injury Manual, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital And Magee Rehabilitation

Spinal Cord Injury Manual (English)

Introduction

Spinal cord injury can affect normal breathing. The level of your injury will determine the effect it will have. It can be different for everyone. For example, the higher the level of your injury, the more complications you may face. Good pulmonary care can assist in keeping you healthy after your spinal cord injury.

Normal

The process of breathing (or respiration) is a two-step process: taking in air (inspiration) and exhaling the waste products. The process of taking in air (inhalation) is an active process, requiring the use of many muscles, while the process of exhaling is a passive …

The Spinal Column-Spinal Cord Injury Manual, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital And Magee Rehabilitation

Spinal Cord Injury Manual (English)

The spinal cord is a part of a system called the central nervous system. The central nervous system is made up of two main structures — the brain and the spinal cord. The spinal cord is delicate tissue protected by spinal bones, which are called vertebrae. The spinal cord sits in a space through the center of the vertebrae called the spinal canal. The vertebrae are stacked one on top of another. The job of the vertebrae is to provide support and flexibility for the body and to protect the spinal cord. Discs separate the vertebrae. Discs are tough fibrous …

Psychosocial Issues-Spinal Cord Injury Manual, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital And Magee Rehabilitation

Spinal Cord Injury Manual (English)

Introduction

A sudden trauma like a spinal cord injury will have a significant impact on you and the people close to you. You may see parts of your life change a great deal. Other parts of your life may not change at all. Regardless of the extent of your injury and disability, being hurt and having a disruption to your life may present unexpected problems or changes. This chapter provides information about services that are available at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Magee Rehabilitation Hospital and in the community to provide assistance.

Coping with a Spinal Cord Injury

After a spinal …

Follow-Up Care System-Spinal Cord Injury Manual, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital And Magee Rehabilitation

Spinal Cord Injury Manual (English)

Introduction

The Spinal Cord Injury Follow-Up Care System is a program that will assist you in your lifetime care once you are discharged from the hospital. The follow-up care system is structured with primary team members being you and your family, the physiatrist (doctor who specializes in physical therapies), nurse clinician and case manager. Team members available for consultation include physical therapists, occupational therapists, recreational therapists, speech therapists, dietitians, urologists, gynecologists, plastic surgeons and podiatrists.

The nurse clinicians are available in the Spinal Cord Injury Follow-Up Clinic at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital and act as the coordinator and liaison between the …

Travel And Transportation-Spinal Cord Injury Manual, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital And Magee Rehabilitation

Spinal Cord Injury Manual (English)

Introduction

Travel and transportation includes driving or being a passenger in a car or van, or traveling in an airplane, bus, train or ship. After a spinal cord impairment, traveling for business or pleasure can be an overwhelming experience. Being well prepared in advance will decrease stress and make your trip enjoyable.

This chapter provides tips regarding traveling with a power or manual wheelchair, purchasing or renting durable medical equipment, medication management, bowel and bladder issues, traveling registrations and organizing recreational activities.

Driving

When you are ready to consider driving, it is suggested that you discuss financial coverage with your …

Vocational Services-Spinal Cord Injury Manual, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital And Magee Rehabilitation

Spinal Cord Injury Manual (English)

Introduction

Vocational services are available to you during the course of your rehabilitation to assist you in returning to work or school or exploring vocational and educational options. These services may be initiated while you are in the hospital and can continue after you are discharged. You may start to receive vocational services from the vocational counselor at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, and at the same time, referred to the state agency designated to assist in vocational rehabilitation. Ultimately, you may return to your pre-injury job, or you may embark on a new educational or vocational path.

Vocational Consultation

During the …

Recreational Therapy-Spinal Cord Injury Manual, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital And Magee Rehabilitation

Spinal Cord Injury Manual (English)

Introduction

Your free time and the way you use that time can be a source of pleasure, enjoyment and self-fulfillment for you. You will probably have many questions about your injury’s effect on your ability to participate in your favorite activities and sports. Recreational therapy is available to assist you in answering your many questions and concerns and helping you plan a satisfactory leisure lifestyle for yourself.

What is Recreational Therapy?

Recreational therapy is a form of treatment that uses recreational activities to work on your rehabilitation goals. Through using your existing recreational skills and interests, recreational therapy can address …

Bladder-Spinal Cord Injury Manual, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital And Magee Rehabilitation

Spinal Cord Injury Manual (English)

Introduction

Your bladder and urinary system play a very important part in keeping you healthy by acting like a “filter” and getting rid of the waste products from food and fluid that you have eaten and absorbed. After you have had a spinal cord injury, you often lose your ability to control urination. You may not be able to feel that your bladder is full, and if you can feel it, you may not be able to empty it.

It is important to note here that the changes that occur in your bladder will be unique to you. Although there …

Skin-Spinal Cord Injury Manual, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital And Magee Rehabilitation

Spinal Cord Injury Manual (English)

Introduction to Skin Function

The skin is a vital part of the body with many necessary functions:

• The skin protects you from the environment. When your skin is intact, there is a barrier against bacteria and injury to the organs inside of the body. It prevents too much sunlight or harmful chemicals from entering the body.

• The skin helps you stay warm or cool. Your sweat glands produce sweat and cool you off as the sweat evaporates from the skin.

• Nerve endings in the skin send messages to the brain to give you information about pain, temperature …

Cardiovascular-Spinal Cord Injury Manual, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital And Magee Rehabilitation

Spinal Cord Injury Manual (English)

Introduction

Cardiovascular problems affect all people who have a spinal cord injury. It has been noted to be particularly problematic for those over 65 years old and those who have been injured for more than 30 years. Due to this problem affecting many people, it needs to be addressed early in your rehabilitation as well as throughout your life.

Description of the Cardiovascular System

The cardiovascular system contains the heart and the blood vessels. The heart is a muscular pump in the chest that receives blood from blood vessels from all over the body. As the heart beats, it delivers …

Nutrition-Spinal Cord Injury Manual, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital And Magee Rehabilitation

Spinal Cord Injury Manual (English)

Introduction-Why Nutrition Matters

Nutrition is important for everyone to maintain good health. After a spinal cord injury, nutrition can be even more important to improve overall wellness, achieve and maintain a healthy weight and help regulate bowel and bladder function. Eating a well balanced diet can help prevent the long term complications associated with SCI such as weight gain, deconditioning and skin breakdown.

A well-balanced diet can provide all of the nutrients that your body needs. Foods high in fiber, along with plenty of water, help regulate bowel function. However, if you eat more than you need, you can gain …

Equipment-Spinal Cord Injury Manual, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital And Magee Rehabilitation

Spinal Cord Injury Manual (English)

Introduction

During your stay in the hospital, various pieces of equipment will be given to you or ordered for you. Your therapists or nurse will be instructing you in the use, care and repair of this equipment. Also, you will find materials in this section regarding specialized equipment that you may need during your hospital stay and following discharge. There are also reference materials about equipment you may need in the future.

If you have any questions about your equipment while in the hospital, contact your therapist, nurse or case manager.

As part of your follow-up program, equipment will be …

Mobility-Spinal Cord Injury Manual, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital And Magee Rehabilitation

Spinal Cord Injury Manual (English)

Introduction

Mobility is defined as those activities involved in getting you out of bed into a wheelchair, movement in the wheelchair, standing and walking. This is accomplished by first stabilizing the spine through surgery, external immobilization (bracing, traction or casting), or both, so you can safely move without further damage to your spinal cord. Following your spinal cord impairment, you are limited in the ability to move because of muscle weakness, immobilization devices, bed rest, or a combination of these factors. Since staying in one position for long periods of time can lead to other medical complications such as skin …

Sexuality-Spinal Cord Injury Manual, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital And Magee Rehabilitation

Spinal Cord Injury Manual (English)

Introduction

In this section, you will learn how spinal cord impairments can affect the way that you feel about yourself as a man or woman as well as how spinal cord impairments can affect the way that you function sexually. Information on sexuality, sexual functioning, birth control, erectile dysfunction and having a baby may be important to you today, or these issues may be something that you choose to put away and think about at another time. In either case, this information is just a starting point. Feel free to ask questions and share your concerns and thoughts with the …

Comments And Feedback-Spinal Cord Injury Manual, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital And Magee Rehabilitation

Spinal Cord Injury Manual (English)

Comments and Feedback

The staff of the center has recently spent a lot of time and effort in revising this manual. However, we realize that those who are actively reading and using the manual can improve it. As a part of our program of continuous quality improvement, we ask you to help guide our efforts to improve the manual.

In the next section of the chapter are two forms. The first form is an overview by chapter that seeks to identify those areas of the manual that could benefit the most from additional work. We also seek to identify any …

Master Glossary-Spinal Cord Injury Manual, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital And Magee Rehabilitation

Spinal Cord Injury Manual (English)

Master Glossary for entire Spinal Cord Injury Manual.

(27 pages, 442Kb)

Table Of Contents-Spinal Cord Injury Manual, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital And Magee Rehabilitation

Spinal Cord Injury Manual (English)

Table of Contents for entire Spinal Cord Injury Manual.

(31 pages, 445Kb)