What is a Spinal Cord Injury?

Major spinal cord injuries present in two forms:

• Quadriplegia (also known as tetraplegia) is loss of function below the neck
• Paraplegia is loss of function below the chest

The spinal cord does not have to be severed in order for a loss of functioning to occur. In fact, in most people with spinal cord injury, the spinal cord is intact, with the damage occurring due to compression or bruising. Some recovery of feeling and movement may return after the injury but how much depends on the level of injury, the strength of your muscles, and whether the injury is complete or incomplete.

If you, or someone you know, has recently suffered a spinal cord injury, we recommend speaking to the hospital about having the following in your discharge plan:

• List of equipment needs
• Finalised care plan
• Your goals and objectives
• List of immediate home modifications required
• National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan in place

We also recommend you secure care services to provide personal care support when you return home if necessary. Some other products you may need to consider include:

• Mobility aids (i.e. crutches and orthotics)
• Most appropriate wheelchair/s
• Adequate continence needs alongside a bowel and bladder plan
• Bathroom mobility aids (i.e. commode, shower chair or stool)
• Home modifications (i.e. ramps, grab rails, handheld shower heads)
• Portable or roof mounted hoists
• Correct bed and mattress
• Assistive technology (i.e. smart drive, free wheels, lights and security automation)
• Modified kitchen utensils

References:
Spinal Cord Injuries Australia