Rehabilitation of SCI Asmaa Jumaa Falih Supervised by Dr. Sabah Ahmed
Goals of Rehabilitation The goal of SCI rehabilitation is to help the patient return to the highest level of function and independence possible , while improving the overall quality of life- physically, emotionally, and socially
The success of rehabilitation depends on many variables include the following : level and severity of the SCI Type and degree of resulting impairments and disabilities overall health of the patient family support
Level of spinal cord injury Rehabilitation potential Possible impairment Level of injury Totally dependent for all care Dependent for all cares; usually needs a ventilator May be able to feed self using assistive devices; usually can breathe without a ventilator, but may need other types of respiratory support. May be able to propel a wheelchair inside on smooth surfaces; may be able to help feed, groom, and dress self; dependent on others for transfers Usually fatal as a result of inability to breathe Quadriplegia and breathing difficul ty Quadriplegia with some shoulder and elbow function Quadriplegia with shoulder, elbow, and some wrist function C2-C3 C4 C5 C6
Level of spinal cord injury Rehabilitation potential Possible impairment Level of injury May be able to propel a wheelchair outside, transfer self, and drive a car with special adaptions; may be able to help with bowel and bladder programs Independent with self care and in wheelchair; able to be employed full time Quadriplegia with shoulder, elbow, wrist, and some hand function Quadriplegia with normal arm function; hand weakness Paraplegia with loss of function below mid-chest; full control of arms C7 C8 T1-T6
Level of spinal cord injury Rehabilitation potential Possible impairment Level of injury Good sitting balance; greater ability for operation of a wheelchair and athletic activities May be able to walk short distances with braces and assistive devices Paraplegia with loss of function below the waist; good control of torso Paraplegia with varying degrees of muscle involvement in the legs T6-T12 L1-L5
The spinal cord injury rehabilitation team Neurologist\neurosurgeon Orthopedist\ orthopedic surgeon Other specialty doctors Rehabilitation specialists Social worker Physical therapist Occupational therapist Speech\language pathologist Registered dietitian Vocational counselor Respiratory therapist Psychologist\psychiatrist Rehabilitation nurse
SCI patient rehabilitation stages through time Acute phase This rehabilitation begins since the patient is admitted to the hospital until the stabilization. It can be a period of 6–12 weeks, depending on the existence of complications. Rehabilitation in the acute phase is important to increase the patient strength and stability for postural adaptation and orthostatic hypotension. Passive exercises have been observed to decrease the risk of spasticity
SCI patient rehabilitation stages through time Chronic phase This rehabilitation is focused on the patient capacity to reintegrate into society. The goals are aimed to develop motor skills such as walking, transferring using the upper limbs, and wheelchair use, restore psychological status as much as possible, and perform occupational therapy.
Physical Therapy’s Role A physical therapist is a key member of SCI rehab team by help the patient to regain function, improve mobility and prevent complications that may arise years after initial traumatic injury . A Physical therapy program after SCI includes the following :
1- Strength training
2- Cardiovascular exercise
3- Respiratory conditioning
4- Mobility training
5- Stretching
Weight Supported Locomotors Training WSLT uses both assisted devices and therapist to support your weight while you walk on treadmill or on the ground.
The goals of WSLT is to promote the remaining nerve connectivity between regions above the traumatic injury and the locomotors central pattern generator with the spinal cord. WSLT supports cardiorespiratory health may prevent pressure sores and joint – related complications of SCI.
Functional Electrical Stimulation The FES device is basically a stimulator (generator) that connect to electrodes; both are surgically implanted near the spinal cord.
The goal of FES is: to activate the nerves that have been damaged by the traumatic injury , which may allow the patient regain motor control, walk, move upper body, and have normal bladder \ bowel function.
Occupational Therapy An occupational therapist addresses the social, emotional, and functional aspects of life after SCI.
The device your occupational therapist may recommend include, wheel chairs, lifts, spinal braces and orthoses , controls for home ( for light, television, or phones) bathroom equipment, and tools to make driving easier
Psychological aspects Recovering from significant spine injury is much more than physical: There are major mental and emotional hurdles to clear. In addition to an occupational therapist , you may work with psychologist to support your total well-being . The family should adjust to the changes that come with living with a SCI