Spinal Cord Injury
- Introduction
- What is a spinal cord injury and what causes it?
- What are the symptoms of a spinal cord injury?
- How is it diagnosed?
- What is the prognosis?
- What is the risk for other family members or future babies?
- What treatments/therapies/medications are recommended or available?
- How will my child and our family be impacted?
- What can make it easier for teens with spinal cord injuries to deal with friends and family?
- How do I know when my child can self-catherize?
- What should I tell my child with a SCI when she asks if she can have a child?
- My child had a SCI two years ago and is doing well. Does he still have a shortened life expectancy?
Introduction
What is a spinal cord injury and what causes it?
What are the symptoms of a spinal cord injury?
How is it diagnosed?
What is the prognosis?
What is the risk for other family members or future babies?
What treatments/therapies/medications are recommended or available?
How will my child and our family be impacted?
What can make it easier for teens with spinal cord injuries to deal with friends and family?
How do I know when my child can self-catherize?
What should I tell my child with a SCI when she asks if she can have a child?
My child had a SCI two years ago and is doing well. Does he still have a shortened life expectancy?
Resources
Information & Support
For Parents and Patients
Support
United Spinal Cord Association (NSCIA)
Information about improving the quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries; facts to help influence medical
improvements, research, and public policy; links to state resources, articles, newsletters, and links to related organizations.
General
What You Should Know About the First Wheelchair (EP magazine)
Reviews important questions to ask before purchasing a wheelchair.
Teenage Girls with SCI (girlshealth.gov)
Information about adjusting to a spinal cord injury; written for teenage girls.
Problems that May Occur with SCI (SCI Information Network)
Information on bone health, bowel and bladder management, sexuality, pain, pressure sores, spasticity, respiratory problems,
and cardiovascular health. Although these are geared towards adults, they are detailed and informative.
Spinal Cord Injuries (MedlinePlus)
Basic information and links to additional reliable sources; National Library of Medicine.
American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA)
Promotes standards of excellence, educates professionals and families, and facilitates research. Includes conference announcements,
publications, and research information.
Reeve Foundation
Dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research; provides grants, information, advocacy, and referral
service.
EP Magazine (Exceptional Parent)
A monthly publication that provides practical advice, emotional support, and up-to-date educational information for people
with disabilities.
Pressure Ulcer Resource Guide (PressureUlcer.net)
Information for families and caregivers about pressure ulcer types, causes, treatments, preventions, and remedies.
Patient Education
Autonomic Dysreflexia (UAB) ( 277 KB)
A 5-page pdf with information for patients and families about warning signs, symptoms, importance of blood pressure measurements,
triggers, and treatments; University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Going Back to School After a Disability (NSCIA)
Resources and support for returning to school after SCI; National Spinal Cord Injury Association.
Services
Disability Related Sports
See all Disability Related Sports services providers (14) in our database.
Occupational Therapy, Pediatric
See all Occupational Therapy, Pediatric services providers (7) in our database.
Pain Clinics
We currently have no Pain Clinics service providers listed; search our Services database for related services.
Pediatric Gastroenterology
See all Pediatric Gastroenterology services providers (16) in our database.
Pediatric Physical Medicine & Rehab
See all Pediatric Physical Medicine & Rehab services providers (3) in our database.
Recreation Programs/Activities
See all Recreation Programs/Activities services providers (11) in our database.
Social & Recreational Opportunities
See all Social & Recreational Opportunities services providers (2) in our database.
For other services related to this condition, browse our Services categories or search our database.
Studies
Spinal Cord Injuries Clinical Trials (CenterWatch)
Lists trials by state.
Authors
Compiled and edited by: | Lynne M. Kerr, MD, PhD - 10/2012 URLEND Trainees, 2011-2012 - 10/2012 |
Content Last Updated: | 1/2016 |
Funding/Support
The Medical Home Portal thanks the 2011-2012 URLEND Medical Home Portal trainees group for their contribution to this page.Page Bibliography
Wang MY, Hoh DJ, Leary SP, Griffith P, McComb JG.
High rates of neurological improvement following severe traumatic pediatric spinal cord injury.
Spine.
2004;29(13):1493-7; discussion E266.
PubMed abstract