| 2108 |
| Title: |
A New Paradigm for Spinal Cord Injury Care |
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| Date / Time: |
Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 04:15 PM - 05:45 PM |
| Type: |
CONCURRENT |
| Level: |
INTERMEDIATE |
| Sponsor(s): |
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| Speaker(s): |
Janet Dean; Jody S. Luttrell |
| Individuals with paralysis are now living near normal lifespans. Spinal cord injury occurs about 15,000 times per year; and can be a congenital condition, such as spina bifida acquired through a traumatic injury or through illness such as transverse myelitis. Estimated lifetime costs for an individual injured at 25 years of age ranges from 1.5 million to 4.5 million dollars. In the past, spinal cord injury was seen as a condition with very little hope for recovery or improvement in function, and much of the treatment was reactionary and compensatory in nature. A new conceptual paradigm has been developed where paralysis is viewed as a chronic condition, similar to diabetes or hypertension requiring ongoing coordinated medical management and rehabilitation. Case managers need to be aware of best practices to help patients appropriately self-manage their ongoing care. There are specific interventions utilizing activity-based therapies that are known to have cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, metabolic, and neurological benefits. Components of activity-based therapies include functional electrical stimulation, locomotor training, weight bearing, massed practice, and task-specific practice. These components are utilized during all phases of rehabilitation from acute to a home therapy program. Gains that patients, who use activity-based therapies in mobility, sensation, function, and bone mass, will be presented. Preventing complications such as obesity, wounds, diabetes, osteoporosis, pain, and spasticity are critical to keeping costs in check. Working collaboratively with the patient-centered team, the case manager is in the best position to help facilitate appropriate treatment modalities, transitions to ongoing programs, and purchase of the right equipment, as well as interpreting applicable scientific research. Successful outcomes are shown by patients who stay healthy and maximize their abilities to function in their home and community. |
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