SPINAL CORD INJURY REHABILITATION

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation, emphasizing its lifelong and multidisciplinary nature. SCI, caused by traumatic or non-traumatic factors, leads to significant physical, functional, and psychosocial challenges. The chapter outlines its incidence, particularly among young adults, and common causes such as falls and road traffic accidents. It describes clinical outcomes like paraplegia and tetraplegia, along with the underlying pathophysiology involving primary and secondary injury processes. The importance of standardized classification systems and client-centered assessment approaches is highlighted to support effective rehabilitation planning. Occupational therapy plays a central role across acute, Subacute, and chronic phases, focusing on prevention of complications, functional independence, mobility training, and use of assistive devices. The chapter also emphasizes community reintegration, environmental modifications, and psychosocial support to enhance long-term outcomes. Overall, it underscores a structured, holistic approach to improve independence and quality of life.