SPINAL CORD INJURY

Robotic neurorehabilitation can support spinal cord injury patients by facilitating standing and walking exercises, enhancing muscle conditioning, and promoting neural regeneration.

A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord, resulting in a loss of function, sensation, or mobility. These injuries can have significant implications for an individual’s daily life, affecting movement, sensation, and bodily functions below the level of injury.

At Glavic Clinic, we specialize in the diagnosis and comprehensive rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injuries, utilizing both robotic and traditional techniques. Our goal is to help individuals regain function and independence, and enhance their quality of life following spinal cord injury.

Causes and Types

SCIs can result from various causes, including trauma, such as vehicle accidents, falls, sports injuries, or violence, as well as from non-traumatic causes like infections, tumors, degenerative diseases or disease (polio, spina bifida, Friedreich’s ataxia, etc.). The severity of the injury depends on the location and extent of damage to the spinal cord.

While not nearly as prevalent, non-traumatic injury to the spinal cord is a possibility from causes such as tumors, blood loss or stenosis. Spinal cord injuries tend to affect more men than women, and nearly half of people who sustain a spinal cord injury are between the ages of 16 and 30 due to the increased likelihood of risky behaviors.

Types due to localization

There are four types of spinal cord injury: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral.  In general, the higher in the spinal column the injury occurs, the more dysfunction a person will experience. The vertebrae are named according to their location.  Cervical spinal cord injuries usually cause loss of function in the arms and legs, resulting in tetraplegia, also known as quadriplegia and spinal cord paralysis.

 

Spinal cord injuries in the thoracic region usually affect the chest and the legs, resulting in paraplegia. The vertebra in the lower back between the thoracic vertebra, where the ribs attach, and the pelvis (hip bone) is the lumbar vertebra. The sacral vertebra runs from the pelvis to the end of the spinal column. Injuries to the five lumbar vertebrae and similarly to the five sacral vertebrae generally result in some loss of function in the hips and legs.

Types due to the injury

Complete Spinal Cord Injury: A complete injury means there is no function below the level of the injury – no sensation and no voluntary movement.

 

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: An incomplete injury means there is some function below the primary level of injury. A person with an incomplete injury may be able to move one limb more than another, may be able to feel parts of the body that cannot be moved, or may have more functioning on one side of the body than the other. With the advances in acute treatment of spinal cord injuries, incomplete injuries are becoming more common.

Effects and Symptoms

The effects of an SCI can vary widely, ranging from mild weakness or numbness to complete paralysis below the level of injury. Common symptoms may include loss of sensation, muscle weakness or paralysis, loss of bowel or bladder control, pain, and respiratory problems. The impact of an SCI on an individual’s life can be profound, affecting mobility, independence, and overall quality of life.

Treatment and Management

While there is currently no cure for spinal cord injury, treatment focuses on managing symptoms, preventing complications, and maximizing functional recovery. This may involve a combination of medical interventions, rehabilitation therapies, assistive devices, and lifestyle modifications tailored to each patient’s specific needs and goals.

From the moment of injury through rehabilitation and long-term care, our approach to spinal cord injury management is comprehensive and patient-centered. We offer a full spectrum of services, including:

  • Diagnostics
    • Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist
    • Neurology specialist
  • Robotic-assisted rehabilitation
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Speech and language therapy
  • Neuropsychology
  • Rehabilitation Nursing
Revolutionizing Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

At Glavic Clinic, we are at the forefront of utilizing cutting-edge robotic rehabilitation techniques to aid in the recovery of individuals with spinal cord injuries. 

Our innovative approach integrates the latest advancements in robotics technology with the expertise of our highly skilled medical team. Through the GLARTH Method, a proprietary rehabilitation protocol developed by our specialists, we tailor treatment plans to address the unique needs of each patient. By combining robotic-assisted therapies with traditional rehabilitation methods, we aim to optimize outcomes and facilitate meaningful progress in motor function and mobility.

Empowering Lives

At Glavic Clinic, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care and support for individuals with spinal cord injuries. Our multidisciplinary team of specialists works collaboratively to deliver personalized treatment plans aimed at maximizing recovery, independence, and quality of life for our patients.

Q&A

Spinal cord injury rehabilitation is a specialized process aimed at helping individuals recover function and mobility following damage to the spinal cord. It involves a comprehensive approach that may include robotic assisted therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other interventions tailored to the specific needs of each patient.

At Glavic Clinic, we offer a range of treatments for spinal cord injury rehabilitation, including robotic-assisted therapy, traditional physical therapy, occupational therapy, and specialized exercises. Our multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to develop personalized treatment plans to address the unique challenges and goals of each patient.

Robotic rehabilitation utilizes advanced technologies to provide precise and targeted therapy to individuals with spinal cord injuries. These robotic devices can assist with repetitive movements, promote muscle strength and coordination, and help patients regain function and independence more efficiently than traditional methods alone.

The Glarth Method is a proprietary rehabilitation protocol developed by the experts at Glavic Clinic. It integrates robotic-assisted therapies with traditional rehabilitation techniques in a personalized treatment approach. The Glarth Method is designed to optimize outcomes and facilitate meaningful progress in motor function and mobility for individuals with spinal cord injuries.

During a robotic neurorehabilitation session at Glavic Clinic, patients can expect a personalized and comprehensive approach to their recovery. Guided by our experienced medical team, the session begins with an assessment to tailor a treatment plan to the patient’s specific needs and goals. Utilizing advanced robotic devices calibrated for precise support and resistance, patients engage in targeted exercises and activities aimed at improving motor function, strength, and coordination. Throughout the session, therapists closely monitor progress, providing guidance and support as needed. Our goal is to optimize outcomes and facilitate meaningful progress in function and mobility, empowering patients on their journey toward recovery and improved quality of life.

The duration of spinal cord injury rehabilitation with robotic neurorehabilitation can vary depending on various factors such as the severity of the injury, the individual’s overall health, and their response to treatment. Typically, rehabilitation programs are tailored to each patient’s specific needs and may span several weeks to several months. The frequency and duration of sessions may also be adjusted based on progress and goals. Our team at Glavic Clinic works closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans and provide ongoing support throughout the rehabilitation process.

Different approach, better results – are you ready?

Start your recovery
Prim. dr. Josip Glavić

specijalist neurolog – ravnatelj Poliklinike Glavić Dubrovnik i Zagreb

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