Innovations in the care of individuals with spinal cord injury

Issue title: Spinal Cord Injury

Article type: Research Article

Authors: McKinley, William O.^;

Affiliations: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical College of Virginia, PO Box 970677, Richmond, VA 23298, USA

Note: [] Corresponding author. Tel.: + 1 804 8280861; fax: + 1 804 8285074.

Abstract: Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in catastrophic and lifelong neurologic and functional changes. This article discusses recent innovations in the management of individuals with SCI, such as: (1) cost-effective health services via ‘clinical pathways’ and ‘case management’ approaches over the continuum of care; (2) recent clinical research into key prognostic indicators for neurological recovery after SCI; (3) innovations in the care and treatment of medical complications resulting from SCI; (4) recent and future advances in electrical stimulation to muscles and nerves to assist movement and functional control; and (5) ongoing basic science and clinical research dealing with the repair and cure of SCI. Exciting innovations are expected to continue in the research and in the management of individuals with SCI which will enhance the delivery of coordinated, comprehensive and cost-efficient care for this population.

Keywords: Spinal cord injury, Innovations, Recovery, Research

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1998-10209

Journal: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 153-157, 1998