Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)

Spinal Cord Injuries (“SCI”) occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord. A spinal cord injury can occur either from trauma (e.g. motor vehicle accident / fall / sports injury), compression from the spinal vertebrae or a tumor / abscess or an infection or loss of its normal blood supply. Damage to the spinal cord can cause temporary or permanent changes in its function. The effects of the SCI depend on the extent to which, and the area of the spinal cord that is damaged. Many people may experience weakness or loss of movement and sensation from the level below the injury. Paraplegia describes a spinal cord injury that affects the lower limbs and parts of the trunk. Quadriplegia (also called tetraplegia) describes a spinal cord injury that affects all four limbs (from the neck down).

SYMPTOMS

  • Loss or impaired movement below the level of injury
  • Loss or impaired sensation below the level of injury
  • Loss of impaired bladder and bowel control
  • Spasms
  • Poor balance
  • Difficulties transitioning to various positions
  • Inability to walk
  • Difficulties engaging in activities of daily living
  • Decrease in community participation

HOW WE CAN HELP

  • At Q Enrichment Center, our Occupational Therapist will conduct an extensive, comprehensive assessment to determine the type of difficulty, the severity, as well as the impact on Activities of Daily Living (“ADL”). A detailed report will be completed, along with a treatment plan specific to each individual’s needs.
  • Intervention can focus on:
    • retraining individuals to perform activities of daily living such as feeding and dressing, and provide adaptations and equipment as needed (e.g., grab bars, reachers) as well as alternative methods and compensatory strategies
    • addressing deficits such as weakness and sensory loss, that limit engagement in ADLs and Instrumental ADLs (“IADLS”) (IADLS: carrying groceries, cooking a meal, managing money, parenting)
    • optimize upper extremity function and prevent deformities (e.g., fabricate an orthosis to enable the use of a keyboard; fit mobile arm supports to support weak muscles)
    • education and prevention of pressure sores
    • recommending an appropriate wheelchair and cushion or walking aid
    • assessing the home and work environment to identify potential hazards and to create a more functional environment specific to the clients’ needs
    • recommending special equipment or assistive devices / technology for use at home, school or work
    • teaching the client and caregiver how to properly use adaptive equipment, like orthotics, braces, or wheelchairs
    • caregiver training
    • educating the client on energy effectiveness strategies and stress management techniques to promote well being
    • teaching the client and/or caregiver on exercises and home programmes for carryover in the home.
    • environmental and behavioural modifications (home and job-site)
    • home modifications may include accessible designs for all rooms in one’s house, ramps, wheelchair lifts or elevators, and stair lifts as well as appropriate bathroom aids / equipment
    • positioning to maintain range of motion, prevent contractures and minimize pain (e.g. splinting)

Testimonials

“What a fantastic team at Q Enrichment Center. I 100% recommend them for any family. They conduct themselves in the most professional attitude all around, they are welcoming and my son enjoyed the service thoroughly. Thanks again.”
– Jean (Mother of child client)

“Q Enrichment Center has “A brilliant speech therapist she single handily helped me overcome the difficulties of dysphagia. Her work truly is a vocation, her desire for me to make a full recovery was just as strong if not stronger than my own. By far the best therapist I was fortunate enough to deal with.”
– Chris (Male adult client)

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