Spinal Cord Injury

The spinal cord is a thick bundle of nerves that runs through the vertebrae in the spine and acts as a pathway between the brain and the rest of the body. It is divided into four sections: cervical (neck), thoracic (chest/trunk), lumbar (lower back) and sacral. When the spinal cord is injured it can result in the loss of feeling and function in certain parts of the body. The parts of the body that will be affected will depend on where the injury to the spinal cord occurred. Typically, the higher the level of the injury, the greater the loss will be and more parts of the body that will be affected.

Spinal cord injuries can be placed into two general categories, complete and incomplete. A complete spinal cord injury generally means that there is no function or feeling below the level of injury. An incomplete spinal cord injury means that there is some function or feeling below the level of the injury. For example, a person with an incomplete spinal cord injury may have more functioning on one side of the body than the other.

Spinal cord injuries are also commonly described using the terms quadriplegia (or tetraplegia) and paraplegia. Quadriplegia involves the loss of movement and feeling in all four limbs and can affect the trunk and chest muscles as well. This is caused by injury to the cervical part of the spinal cord. Paraplegia involves the loss of movement or feeling in the lower part of the body, mainly the legs. This can be caused by injury to the thoracic, lumbar or sacral parts of the spinal cord.

There are also many secondary complications that result from a spinal cord injury. These are serious and can include muscle spasticity, digestive problems, pressure sores, loss of bowel and bladder function, sexual dysfunction, problems with heart rate and blood pressure, circulation and respiratory problems, muscle tone, nerve pain, and other risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle.

According to Spinal Cord Injury Ontario, each week 11 more people sustain a spinal cord injury. Currently, 33,000 people in Ontario (86,000 in the rest Canada) have a spinal cord injury. If you suffered a spinal cord injury due to the fault of someone else it is important to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer.

By Karen Vigmond

What to Expect When a Family Member has Suffered a Brain Injury

When a member of your family has suffered a brain injury, everyone in the family is affected. As a result of the impairments the brain injured family member will experience, often there are role changes within the family and an increase in everyone’s responsibilities. These changes will often leave family members with less time for themselves. At times it seems that all of the family member’s efforts and focus are solely on the injured family member.

As a result, feelings of anger, frustration and resentment are often experienced. Additionally, family members may feel grief and mourning given the significant changes to the injured family member. In addition, anxiety and fear may be felt as a result of the many unknowns and uncertainty of the future. Family members may also experience loss, includinga lossof companionship, a loss of income, a loss of future plans, a loss of a sense of securityand a loss of control.

In these situations, it is helpful to talk about your feelings and communicate with others in your family. If you are in this situation, we recommend that you speak to your doctor, personal injury lawyer or other health care professional about the resources available to you and your family.

By Karen Vigmond

Home and Vehicle Modifications

As a result of injuries sustained in a car, truck, ATV or motorcycle collision, an individual may be left with a permanent disability and, in very serious cases, may be confined to a wheelchair. In these cases, the person’s home and vehicle are likely no longer suitable or accessible to them. If this occurs, there are ways that a house and vehicle can be modified to allow the newly disabled person to remain in their home and maintain a level of independence.
 
A person’s residence may be modified in many different ways in order to increase the level of accessibility of their home. For example, lifts, ramps, and transferring devices can be installed both inside and outside of the home. Additionally, doors can be widened, replaced or removed and bathrooms can be renovated to include grab bars, safety rails and a wheel in shower. Kitchen equipment and cupboards can be lowered and a paved access path can be installed between the residence and mode of transportation. These are a few examples of modificationsthat can be made and willallow someone who has experienced a life altering event remain in the comfort of their own home.

 

There are also many modifications that can be made to a vehicle to make it accessible. Mechanical hand controls, pedal extensions, a left foot accelerator, lifts, power transfer seats, removable driver seats, reduced effort brakes and steering systems, and specialized seating can be installed in the vehicle. Furthermore, the roof of a vehicle can be raised and the floor can be lowered. These modifications can allow a newly disabled person to maintain their independence by making it possible for them to operate a vehicle. This is especially important in areas where public transportation is nonexistent or very limited.

 

Individuals who are injured in Ontario in motor vehicle accidentstypically have accessto statutory accident benefits (usually from their own car insurer). Thesebenefits include home and vehicle modifications/renovations provided they are reasonable and necessary. For more information on how to access these benefitssee Ryan Murray’s article titled Accessing Housing Renovations and Modifications Through Accident Benefits.

By Karen Vigmond

How Computer Games are Effective for Rehabilitation

Computer games can be fun but they can also stimulate the brain. Certain computer games are used in the rehabilitation of those that have sustained a traumatic brain injury. These computer games are used to try to improve the significant cognitive and motor problems experienced by those that have suffered brain injuries.

However, it is important to keep in mind that computer games cannot rehabilitate a brain injury alone. The use of computer games should be used in conjunction with ongoing cognitive rehabilitation treatment with a professional. Additionally, not all computer games are created equal. If you are interested in using computer games for brain injury rehabilitation, it is highly recommended that you get a recommendation from a health care professional regarding whether it is appropriate in your case. 

Despite some limitations, computer games offer numerous benefits. They help take rehabilitation out of the clinics and into the injured person’s home. This helps make treatment more accessible and enjoyable. Treating a brain injury can be a long and difficult process. However, the use of rehabilitation techniques that make the process more pleasant and entertaining can only lead to positive results.

By Liane Shepley

Concussions in Organized Sports

A concussion is a common head injury that results from a direct or indirect blow to the head. Damage is caused by a sudden shifting of the brain within the skull. This shifting can cause the brain to knock against the skull causing bruising.

A Statistics Canada survey found that there are approximately 30,000 concussions reported annually among the 12 to 19 year old age group. Sixty-six percent of these concussions resulted from engaging in a sporting activity. Sadly, these numbers are likely under representing the number of concussions actually occurring in youth in organized sports.

Concussions have been referred to as the “silent epidemic” because symptoms may not be immediately recognizable. Your child may not want anyone to know that he or she is hurt due to embarrassment. However, you can keep your eye out for post-concussion symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, loss of vision, ringing in the ears, stomach ache/nausea, sleeping difficulties, poor balance, confusion, slow response, and/or loss of consciousness.

If you have your child enrolled in organized sports this fall, please remain mindful of the risk of a concussion injury. Concussions are most commonly related to contact sports, such as hockey or football; however, all sports have some level of risk. Keep your kids safe and use protective equipment whenever possible, such as helmets, mouth guards, and neck protectors. It is also important to have open communication with your child and your child’s coaching staff.  

By Liane Shepley

Rehabilitation Options for SCI

The spinal cord is responsible for sending messages between the brain and the rest of the body. When injured, the spinal cord’s ability to send these messages is affected and this can result in a complete or partial loss of feeling, function, and/or sensation throughout the body. These injuries will vary in severity; however, most spinal cord injuries will require a high level of care in order to maximize physical functioning and reintegration into the workplace and community. 

Rehabilitation of a spinal cord injury is very important and is often undertaken by a multi-disciplinary team. Rehabilitation options for spinal cord injury victims include physiotherapy, which focuses on improving mobility, occupational therapy, which addresses difficulties in activities of daily living, and speech language pathology, which addresses issues with communication and swallowing. Seeing a psychologist is also an option to consider as there are often many emotional and behavioural changes after a spinal cord injury.

By Liane Shepley

Athletic Opportunities for Wheelchair Athletes

For those that sustain a spinal cord injury (“SCI”), readjusting to life in a wheelchair can seem daunting, especially for those who previously had athletic lifestyles. However, being in a wheelchair does not translate into life without physical activity. In fact, the benefits of physical activity to those with an SCI can be tremendous and there is no shortage of athletic opportunities available.

The popularity of sports involving physically disabled athletes has exploded in recent years, with the Paralympics becoming the second largest sporting event in the world. Wheelchair athletes participate in a wide variety of sports including basketball, rugby, tennis, track and field, curling, football, and hockey. These sports are adapted with some minor modifications but remain just as physically demanding and exciting to watch! 

There are numerous associations in Canada that offer wheelchair sporting opportunities. These include the Ontario Wheelchair Sports Association, Athletics Canada, Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association, and the Canadian Paralympic Committee.  

By Liane Shepley