Topics in spinal cord injury rehabilitation
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Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil · Jan 2015
Meta AnalysisAntidepressants Are Effective in Decreasing Neuropathic Pain After SCI: A Meta-Analysis.
To systematically review and assess the effectiveness and safety of antidepressants for neuropathic pain among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). ⋯ The current meta-analysis demonstrates that antidepressants are effective in reducing neuropathic SCI pain. However, this should be interpreted with caution due to the limited number of studies. Further evaluation of long-term therapeutic options may be required.
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Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil · Jan 2015
ReviewReliability and Validity of the Sensory Component of the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI): A Systematic Review.
Since 1982, the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) has been used to classify sensation of spinal cord injury (SCI) through pinprick and light touch scores. The absence of proprioception, pain, and temperature within this scale creates questions about its validity and accuracy. ⋯ Due to the low to moderate quality of the current literature, the sensory component of the ISNCSCI requires further revision and investigation if it is to be a useful tool in clinical trials.
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Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil · Jan 2015
Multicenter StudySafety and efficacy of medically performed tongue piercing in people with tetraplegia for use with tongue-operated assistive technology.
Individuals with high-level spinal cord injuries need effective ways to perform activities. ⋯ Using careful selection criteria and a medically supervised piercing protocol, no excess risk was associated with tongue piercing and wearing a tongue barbell in people with tetraplegia. Participants were able to operate the TDS.
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Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil · Jan 2015
Facilitators and barriers to employment among veterans with spinal cord injury receiving 12 months of evidence-based supported employment services.
Return to work is associated with positive rehabilitation outcomes for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI); however, more research is needed on vocational support for persons with disabilities seeking employment. ⋯ Qualitative data illustrate how the integration of the vocational rehabilitation specialist on the medical team is helpful for addressing identified disability-specific barriers, including practical matters such as transportation and caregiving schedules, to facilitate employment outcomes.
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Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil · Jan 2015
Dynamic Three-Dimensional Ultrasound to Evaluate Scapular Movement Among Manual Wheelchair Users and Healthy Controls.
A large percentage of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) report shoulder pain that can limit independence and quality of life. The pain is likely related to the demands placed on the shoulder by transfers and propulsion. Shoulder pathology has been linked to altered scapular mechanics; however, current methods to evaluate scapular movement are invasive, require ionizing radiation, are subject to skin-based motion artifacts, or require static postures. ⋯ Individuals with SCI, as well as other populations who are susceptible to shoulder pathology, may benefit from the application of this imaging modality to quantitatively evaluate scapular positioning and effectively target therapeutic interventions.