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Early Intervention and Care for Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries

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A Practical Guide to Care of Spinal Cord Injuries

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Abstract

This chapter explores early intervention and care for traumatic spinal cord injuries, which are divided into distinct phases according to the associated pathophysiological changes. The primary goals of acute phase management involve minimizing initial neurological damage and preventing secondary cord injury stemming from factors such as hypoperfusion, ischemia, and biochemical changes. Patients with spinal cord injuries often experience concurrent traumatic injuries affecting other body systems, requiring systematic assessments and prioritized treatment plans. Despite advancements in acute management, neurological outcomes have not significantly improved in recent years, underlining the importance of long-term management strategies, such as rehabilitation, to maximize patient outcomes. The chapter stresses the necessity for an appropriate approach to early intervention and care for traumatic spinal cord injuries, considering the complexity of these injuries and their potential impact on multiple body systems. This comprehensive strategy can contribute to enhancing patient outcomes and reducing long-term complications.

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  1. Parkside Rehabilitation Hospital, Busan, Korea (Republic of)

    Hyun-Yoon Ko

  2. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea (Republic of)

    Hyun-Yoon Ko

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Ko, HY. (2023). Early Intervention and Care for Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries. In: A Practical Guide to Care of Spinal Cord Injuries. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-4542-9_15

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-4542-9_15

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