Information
When a traumatic event results in damage to cells within the spinal cord or severs the nerves that relay signals up and down the spinal cord
What is a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)?
Motor vehicle accidents (38.3%), Falls (31.6%), Acts of violence (13.8%), Sports (8.2%) (2/3 of sports injuries are from diving), Medical/Surgical (4.3%), & Other (1.3%)
What are the top common causes of SCI?
Urinary dysfunction, respiratory infection, and bedsores
What are some common complications for SCI?
Nerve repair trials and electrical stimulation
What are the top spinal cord injury (SCI) research projects?
Allow one to do tasks on their own whenever possible to build confidence
How can I support & encourage autonomy?
Contusion (bruising of the spinal cord) and compression (caused by pressure on the spinal cord)
What are the most common types of SCI..?
30% of persons with SCI are re-hospitalized one or more times during any given year following the injury
How often do people with SCI have to be hospitalized after their initial injury?
Blood clots, sudden drop in blood pressure, sudden spike in blood pressure
What are common circulatory complications of SCI?
Implanted electronic chips that create a digital bridge past the injured spinal cord; restoring movement and feeling
What are Brain-Computer Interfaces associated with SCI?
Voting on community legislation for more access by adding ramps, widening doorways, and modifying bathrooms for safe wheelchair access in public places
What can I do in my community for those with SCI?
Lacerations; when nerve fibers are severed or torn
What are other types of injuries that can cause SCI?
22 days
What is the average length of time for a hospital stay?
Trouble breathing or pneumonia
What are some respiratory complications of SCI?
Use specialized cells, such as olfactory cells from the nose or polylaminin injections, to create natural nerve bridges that encourage spinal cord repair
What are Cell-Based Therapies for SCI?
Connect with regional networks and/or volunteer for local accessibility projects; including adaptive sports!
Where can I help?
Paralysis (loss of control over voluntary movement and muscles of the body); loss of sensation and reflex function below the level of injury
What is an example of a severe case of SCI?
SCI with paraplegia: $537,271
What is the average first year expenses for a person with SCI who has paraplegia?
Frequent UTIs, kidney issues/stones, loss of bladder control; use of catheters
What are common urinary complications with SCI?
Electrodes placed on the spinal cord or paired with vagus nerve activation help wake up dormant pathways, improving movement, blood pressure, and bladder control
What are Spinal and Vagus Nerve Stimulation therapies for SCI?
Support peer mentoring, contact elected officials, local chapters (or health centers) by writing, calling, or meeting to support funding for healthcare access, adaptive equipment/inclusion, and SCI research
How can I become a SCI Advocate?
Current estimates are 250,000 - 400,000 individuals in the U.S. ; 11,000 new cases in the U.S each year
How many people have spinal cord injuries?
SCI with quadriplegia: $1,102,403
What is the average first year expenses for a person with SCI who has quadriplegia?
Sepsis; a severe, life-threatening response to untreated infections
What is the most common infection complication for people with SCI?
A non-invasive spinal cord stimulation device placed externally on the back of the neck
What is ARC-EX Therapy for people with SCI?
Listen & learn by living out the 180-Way inside and outside of work! (Compassion, Service, Integrity, Specialty, & Education)
How can I support SCI while working at 180?