Search

'From the first to the last page, this book is so full of information that as a person working in the world of spinal cord injury, I found myself in an unfamiliar situation. Never had I read a book related to my profession that I didnít have trouble putting down. Iím not saying that such books are boring by any means; however, they are not the captivating fictional reads that keep people up late on work nights thinking'just one more chapter.'Essentials of Spinal Cord Medicine was that type of book for me!... Overall, I thought this book was nothing short of fantastic... it was so full of information that makes me feel more confident as a technologist, and more compassionate as a human. I would highly recommend this for any practitioner working in the field where they may encounter a person with spinal cord injury.'-- Donna Jacobs, R. EEG T., CNIM, The Neurodiagnostic JournalThis compact text is a practical, concise guide for clinicians involved in the care of patients with spinal cord injuries and disorders. It covers a comprehensive and diverse list of topics encompassing the principles and practice of spinal cord injury care, including basic science fundamentals, traumatic spinal cord injury, non-traumatic myelopathies, physical function and rehabilitation, medical consequences and complications of spinal cord injury, psychosocial and quality of life issues, and systems-based practice.Chapters are consistently formatted for ease of use and are organized under the broad headings of general principles, clinical considerations, and knowledge gaps and emerging concepts, and conclude with a curated list of suggested readings. Within these categories, specifics on underlying pathophysiology and etiology, assessment (examination, testing, differential diagnosis, prognosis, and risk factors) and management (non-pharmacological, medications, surgical procedures, follow-up and monitoring, primary and secondary prevention, and complications), and recent clinical advances and promising research are easily accessed. The book also addresses such quality of life issues as psychological adaptation, sexuality and fertility, vocational training, driving, and exercise, and includes information about systems of care and patient safety as well as ethical considerations. The guide is peppered with useful tables that highlight and reinforce key material. Additionally, ìPractice Pearlsî in selected chapters enhance the guide as a handy go-to reference for clinicians and trainees in multiple disciplines who care for people with spinal cord injuries and disorders.Key Features:A concise, practical manual designed for rapid access to key information on a broad range of topics integral to the practice of spinal cord medicine Covers both traumatic spinal cord injury and non-traumatic disorders and their evaluation, management, medical complications, functional rehabilitation, and quality of life concerns Packed with useful tables to highlight and reinforce key material Formatted consistently with short, reader-friendly paragraphs and clarifying sub-titles

The spinal cord is a long structure, conslstmg of white and grey matter, that not only serves to provide a neural connection between the brain and the body, but also contains neural circuits that are organized segmentally and that are responsive to central and peripheral sensory input. Thus the spinal cord is capable of some behavioural activity that is of clinical significance, and that is more evident when higher modulation is disturbed. The released activity of spasticity, and the disturbances of bladder and bowel control that occur in patients with spinal cord lesions are examples. The spinal cord is well protected within its bony canal but is, nonetheless, susceptible to compression by degenerative joint or bone disease, or by neoplasm. Spinal cord compression is a common clinical problem that is not always easy to recognize. However, it is particularly important because of the good re­ sults of appropriate treatment and the unfortunate consequences should the diagnosis be missed. Many other medical and surgical disorders affect the spinal cord, including vascular disease, decom­ pression sickness, degenerative disorders and multiple sclerosis. In this book Dr. Critchley and Dr. Eisen, and their col­ laborators, chosen for their expertise and experience in spinal cord disorders, have gathered together descriptions of the symp­ toms and signs of spinal cord disease.