Spinal Cord Injury - Palmer

This text is designed to help people with spinal cord injury - and their family members and friends - during the rehabilitation process and the journey that follows. It reviews the challenges that may be encountered and addresses all aspects of injury - psychological, sexual, and social - and other issues including transportation, housing and employment. The authors explain how spinal cord injury affects physical functioning and how those changes may lead to lowered self-esteem, depression, family conflicts and social isolation - all problems which can derail the adaptation process. They also remind readers that, as with any major life crisis, spinal cord injury can be a catalyst for positive change, challenging a person to find creative channels for self-expression, personal strength and new ways of being in the world.;Illustrating each chapter with patient histories ranging from the relatively mild to moderate and severe disability, the authors begin by demystifying what takes place during emergency treatment and hospitalization and explaining the consequences of different kinds of spinal cord injury. Later chapters describe rehabilitation, returning home and learning to live independently.