The spinal cord is the major pathway through which information regarding movement and sensation travels between brain and body. Damage to the spinal cord through injury or illness can interrupt the flow of this information resulting in loss of movement and/or sensation below the level of the injury. When this happens at the level of the cervical spine (the neck) and affects both the arms and legs it is referred to as quadriplegia. Paralysis (loss of movement) or paresis (loss of sensation) affecting only the lower body is referred to as paraplegia. Injuries can be complete (loss of all sensation and/or movement) or incomplete (partial loss of sensation and/or movement).

Goals
NERHP's spinal cord rehabilitation program is designed to help individuals maximum their functional abilities so they can successfully return to the community. Our interdisciplinary team works with individuals to accomplish this by providing:

• Opportunities to include friends and family in rehabilitation at whatever level the individual wishes.
• Education and training for individuals and their friends and families regarding all aspects of what to expect with a spinal cord injury.
• Strengthening and training to maximize recovery.
• Use of current rehabilitation technology to assist in developing maximum potential for mobility.

Team Members
Each patient's care team will consist of a physiatrist (physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation), a physician, a rehabilitation nurse, and a physical therapist and occupational therapist with training specific to spinal cord injury care and rehabilitation.

• The team may also consist of speech therapy, nutrition, psychology and therapeutic recreation depending upon individual need.
• Each individual will work with a case manager to help plan their rehabilitation and their discharge.

Program Components Include

• Daily Living Skills training.
• Strengthening and flexibility training to maximize recovery.
• Splinting and Orthotics including collaboration with local providers as needed.
• Collaboration with Vocational Rehabilitation of Maine www.maine.gov/rehab/dvr/dvr_vr.htm.
• Educational Program with customized information for each individual's needs.
• Sexuality counseling
• Patient and family counseling and support
• Trained professionals in rehabilitation equipment collaboration with local providers to obtain the most appropriate equipment for each individual depending on their needs in both the short and long term.
• Technology supported rehabilitation
  • Environment controls
  • AutoAmbulator
  • Interactive metronome
• Pre-driving evaluations
• Community re-entry and peer support programs
• Comprehensive Outpatient rehabilitation services and clinics available as needed after discharge