I hate planning trips out of town. There are so many factors that need to be considered, so many things that need to be coordinated, so many opinions to be taken into account. It’s so complicated that before the internet, you could make an entire career just coordinating travel plans (i.e. travel agents). Even now,...Continue Reading

In a split second my life changed. Just like that I was waiting for an ambulance. The whole time wondering why I couldn't move anything below my neck. Nine hours later I was out of surgery that repaired my 3rd-5th vertebrae in my neck, needing rods on both sides of my neck. I thank God...Continue Reading

Your respiratory system (or pulmonary system) is responsible for breathing. This system enables you to inhale oxygen into your blood and exhale carbon dioxide. Your body needs oxygen to survive, and carbon dioxide must be removed to avoid the build-up of acid in your body.Continue Reading

Dr. Kim Anderson Arm and hand function is important to people living with cervical spinal injuries. There are many research efforts underway to develop new treatments to restore arm and hand function. There are some surgical options already available to improve arm and hand function, but some have a limited time window during which they...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. This library is home to factsheets, podcasts, videos, and comics to describe different areas affected by spinal cord injury. People...Continue Reading

Having a positive attitude and stubbornness has allowed me to take my injury in stride and overcome many challenges I didn't originally think I'd be able to accomplish.Continue Reading

We wanted to feature a source on Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD) after a spinal cord injury as this can often lead to life-changing circumstances. AD, sometimes referred to as Autonomic Hyperreflexia, is a potentially life-threatening medical condition that many people with spinal cord injury (SCI) experience when there is a pain or discomfort below their level...Continue Reading

When treating depression or depression-like symptoms, many don’t think of nutrition.  However, when focusing on consuming specific nutrients, especially those that help your brain, can improve your mood and provide energy needed to perform all the daily necessities of life.  Your gut health can also play a role in helping depressive symptoms because of the...Continue Reading

Due to many circumstances, the MetroHealth Spinal Cord Injury Forum will be postponed for 2023.  We are working on a new date and will update everyone soon.  We want to bring the best event possible and are working hard behind the scenes.  Continue Reading

According to Brigham Young University psychology professor and researcher Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, being socially connected is considered a fundamental human need.  Social support has been known to positively influence life satisfaction and health, and even mortality,  among those living with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and disorders.  Our connection to others enables us to better battle...Continue Reading