Physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics of North America
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Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am · Aug 2014
ReviewStrategies for prevention of urinary tract infections in neurogenic bladder dysfunction.
In this article, the problem of urinary tract infections (UTIs) after spinal cord injury and disorders is defined, the relationship of bladder management to UTIs is discussed, and mechanical and medical strategies for UTI prevention in spinal cord injury and disorders are described.
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Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am · Aug 2014
ReviewAssessment of neuromuscular conditions using ultrasound.
Upper extremity pain in persons with spinal cord injury is a common cause of morbidity. Ultrasound of nerve, muscle, and tendon has the potential to become a valuable modality in assessing this population, and has the advantage of reduced health care costs, portability, and use in populations that cannot tolerate MRI. It has the potential to detect issues before the onset of significant morbidity, and preserve patient independence. Upper extremity ultrasound already has many studies showing its utility in diagnosis, and newer techniques have the potential to enhance its use in the diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal conditions.
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Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am · Aug 2014
ReviewFunctional electrical stimulation and spinal cord injury.
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) can disrupt communications between the brain and the body, resulting in loss of control over otherwise intact neuromuscular systems. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) of the central and peripheral nervous system can use these intact neuromuscular systems to provide therapeutic exercise options to allow functional restoration and to manage medical complications following SCI. The use of FES for the restoration of muscular and organ functions may significantly decrease the morbidity and mortality following SCI. Many FES devices are commercially available and should be considered as part of the lifelong rehabilitation care plan for all eligible persons with SCI.
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Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am · Aug 2014
ReviewUpdates for the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury.
The International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) is the most widely used classification in the field of spinal cord injury medicine. Since its first publication in 1982, multiple revisions refining the recommended examination, scaling, and classification have taken place to improve communication, consistency, and clarity. This article describes a brief historical perspective on the development and changes over the years leading to the current ISNCSCI, detailing the most recent updates of 2011 and the worksheet 2013 as well as issues facing the ISNCSCI for the future.
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Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am · Aug 2014
ReviewChronic neuropathic pain in SCI: evaluation and treatment.
Chronic neuropathic pain develops in approximately 40% of people after a spinal cord injury (SCI) and is notoriously difficult to treat. Because of the frequent presence of more than one pain type and the complex mechanisms and symptoms associated with pain in individuals with SCI, a thorough evaluation is important. This review includes an overview of the most recent guidelines for evaluating and classifying pain, suggestions for standardizing outcome measures for clinical use, and a review of the positive and negative evidence for pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions to consider when treating individuals with SCI and chronic neuropathic pain.