Files and links (1)
Free to read and download, Open Access
Introduction: The American Spinal Cord Injury Association (ASIA) developed the International Standards of Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) examination to inform treatment and prognostic decisions following spinal cord injury. Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries (TSCI) are highly variable in their severity and presentations. The ASIA examination is one of the first and most important examinations done following TSCI. Case Description: This case study follows two patients’ progress at an inpatient rehabilitation facility following a TSCI in regard to their physical therapy management. Patient A is a 19-year-old female with an ASIA A T8 Neurologic Level of Injury (NLI). Patient B is a 20-year-old female with an ASIA A T4 NLI. Interventions: Patient A and Patient B both underwent a comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation treatment program centered around task specific repetitive practice of functional mobility tasks. These tasks were taught, practiced, and continually evaluated throughout their inpatient rehabilitation care. Outcomes: Patient A and Patient B deviated in the amount of caregiver assistance that they required with their functional mobility tasks early. By week 1, Patient A was requiring just 50% caregiver assistance with bed to/from wheelchair transfers. At week 5, Patient B still required the same 50% caregiver assist with that same task. Discussion: Patient A and Patient B were similar in their age, NLI, demographics and social support. They deviated in their outcomes due to core muscle control, anthropometrics and neurorecovery. Conclusion: Comprehensive evaluations of TSCI patient beyond just NLI are required to make informed treatment and prognostic decisions following TSCI in an inpatient rehabilitation facility.