Spinal Cord Injury Treatment at "Helyos" Surgery and Rehabilitation Center

Assessment of the Severity and Nature of Spinal Cord Injuries:

The severity of spinal cord injuries and recovery prognosis are assessed using the ASIA scale, developed by the International Spinal Cord Society and the American Spinal Injury Association. The injuries are categorized into several groups:

• Group A — complete spinal cord injury, with no motor function below the level of injury and complete loss of sensation.
• Group B — incomplete spinal cord injury, with preserved sensation but no motor function below the injury level.
• Group C — partial spinal cord injury, with preserved movement below the injury site but muscle strength less than 3 points.
• Group D — partial spinal cord injury, with preserved motor function below the injury level at 3 points or more.
• Group E — normal spinal cord function, with no motor or sensory impairment.

Recovery Prognosis:

For partial spinal cord injuries, patients can typically recover at least one degree on the ASIA scale. Observations show that 70-80% of patients with partial spinal cord injuries experience significant improvement with rehabilitation. However, full spinal cord injuries show minimal or no recovery.

Complications of Spinal Cord Injuries:

Patients with spinal cord injuries are at high risk for complications due to prolonged immobility. Common complications include:

• Urinary incontinence and urinary tract infections
• Bedsores
• Autonomic dysreflexia (elevated blood pressure, heart rate irregularities, excessive sweating)
• Pneumonia
• Static issues, deep vein thrombosis
• Leg pain

Treatment of Spinal Cord Injuries:

Spinal cord injury treatment involves a combination of conservative and surgical interventions, along with physical rehabilitation. The treatment approach varies depending on the injury mechanism, location, severity, and stage. Methods include:

• Medication therapy
• Positional treatment
• Diet therapy
• Psychotherapy
• Orthopedic aids
• Physical rehabilitation

Rehabilitation After Spinal Injury:

Rehabilitation after spinal injuries is complex but achievable through modern physical methods such as physical exercise, physiotherapy, and mechanotherapy.

At "Helios," the rehabilitation process is handled by a team of specialists:

• Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Doctor — gathers patient history, develops a rehabilitation plan, and oversees the recovery process.
• Physical Therapist — focuses on restoring movement functions.
• Occupational Therapist — aids in social and daily skill recovery and upper limb function restoration.
• Speech Therapist — works on restoring speech and swallowing functions.
• Nurse — ensures medication therapy adherence.

Results of Active Rehabilitation at the Center:

1. Maximum recovery of impaired functions.
2. Return to normal daily activities.
3. Overcoming fears related to the illness.
4. Improved well-being and quality of life.
5. Reintegration into the social environment.
6. Increased physical endurance.

With the expertise of our specialists and an individualized approach to each patient, we help individuals recover from spinal injuries and return to an active lifestyle.