Why Heat Is a Bigger Issue After SCI Injuries at or above the mid-thoracic level interrupt sympathetic pathways that normally trigger sweating and skin-blood-flow changes; below the injury, sweat glands stay almost “switched off.” This loss of autonomic control means core temperature can climb quickly, while early warning sensations (feeling flushed or drenched in sweat)...Continue Reading

MetroHealth is thrilled to announce the return of its annual Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Forum, an educational and empowering event designed specifically for individuals living with spinal cord injuries and related disorders. The 2025 SCI Forum will take place on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM EST. Mark your calendars and...Continue Reading

When we last checked in with Kevin Sullivan, he was working diligently toward his Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration and dreaming of a career in International Education. Today, we’re excited to share that Kevin has not only achieved that dream but has also flourished professionally and personally in ways that continue to inspire. In...Continue Reading

The Model System Knowledge and Translation Center (MSKTC) is a national center that helps facilitate the knowledge translation process to make research meaningful to those with Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Burn Injury. In previous articles, we have featured the Factsheets on Autonomic Dysreflexia, Managing Pain, Wheelchair Information, and more. Depression and mental...Continue Reading

As we know, all spinal cord injuries are not the same, and abilities for each person vary with each level of injury.  Therefore, it makes sense that different levels of assistance are also needed to determine where we need to learn how to adapt.  And those adaptations are the skills we learn to carry out...Continue Reading

by Kim Anderson, PhD You may have heard talk over the past six months about a new therapy getting approved for people living with a cervical spinal cord injury (SCI).  You may have questions.  We have answers. On December 12, 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the ARC-EX System for use in the...Continue Reading

On February 9, 2020, Eric Tyson’s life changed in an instant. Just returning from a drive—his routine as a truck driver—he was caught in a moment of violence that would alter the course of his life forever. A person with whom he had a minor disagreement, under the influence of drugs, found Eric at a...Continue Reading

In 21st-century America, driving represents far more than just getting from point A to point B—it’s a symbol of freedom, autonomy, and connection to the world. But for many individuals with functional impairments, this independence can be lost, leading to isolation, increased dependence on caregivers, and even unsafe driving attempts. At MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute, a...Continue Reading

The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is looking for people who receive HCBS to pilot test surveys designed to evaluate the person-centeredness of their services. Participants will undergo a brief screening and consent call (Zoom or phone, unpaid) and will complete two or more 10-minute surveys on different aspects of their HCBS (online, via Zoom with a...Continue Reading

Although cozying up in the home may be more feasible (and frankly more enjoyable) when faced with the inclement weather that winter brings, maintaining functional levels of activity is essential during the cold months. Long term inactivity contributes to increased levels of pain, loss of muscle strength/tone, worsened cardiovascular fitness, and can also play a...Continue Reading