Spinal Cord Injury and Disease Clinic
More than 200,000 individuals in the United States today have spinal cord injuries (SCI). Every year, approximately 10,000 more sustain SCI from auto, sports and work accidents, falls, or during medical service.
Spinal cord injuries can occur at any level of the spinal cord, and the level of the injury will dictate which bodily functions are altered or lost.
Immediately after a spinal cord injury, the spinal cord stops doing its job for a period of time called "spinal shock." The return of reflexes below the level of injury marks the end of spinal shock. At this time, a doctor can determine if the injury is complete or incomplete. If the injury is incomplete, some feelings and movement may come back. Rehabilitation begins immediately. The individual will be instructed in strengthening exercises, new styles of movement, and the use of special equipment.
The spinal cord injury clinic at Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital offers a team of clinicians who specialize and are specifically trained in spinal cord injury and disease. Some areas of focus include:
- Respiratory assessment
- Lack of muscle coordination with voluntary movements (ataxia)
- Wheelchair mobility
- Difficulty swallowing
- Patient and family education
Dr. Heidi K. Wennemer, DO, MA, FAAPMR, is the director of the Spinal Cord Injury program and is a board certified physiatrist and osteopath. She will be overseeing the program and treatment of each individual.
For additional information, please call 781-348-4011.
Spinal Cord Clinic
|
