Kennedy Krieger's Specialties

Spinal Cord Injury

What is a spinal cord injury?

Spinal cord injuries and paralysis are often associated with traumatic events—auto and athletic accidents, falls and violent incidents such as gun shot wounds. These conditions, characterized by any limitation in mobility, can also occur as a result of certain acquired and developmental disorders, degenerative conditions, strokes and exposure to toxins.

When to Refer a Child

The International Center for Spinal Cord Injury at Kennedy Krieger, the first program in the world dedicated to treating paralysis in children, is an appropriate option for anyone living with an injury or condition limiting mobility. Although many programs focus on meeting the needs of patients with recent, acute spinal cord injuries, Kennedy Krieger’s spinal cord injury center is equally committed to meeting the needs of patients who have been paralyzed for many years.

The International Center for Spinal Cord Injury Team

Kennedy Krieger’s Spinal Cord Injury team is comprised of an interdisciplinary group of professionals who work together with patients and their families to meet individual patient needs. Depending on those needs, patients in the International Center for Spinal Cord Injury may work with the following specialists:

Neurologist, Internist and Physiatrist
Physicians who direct treatment programs and evaluate patient response to different types of therapies.

Physical Therapist
Engages patients in activities designed to help recover muscle strength and function.

Occupational Therapist
Helps patients focus on hand/arm skills and making the most of the function they have.

Speech-Language Therapist
Works with patients whose ability to speak has been affected by their illness or injury.

Social Worker
Interacts with families, communities, school systems and other resources to make sure patients and caregivers have access to the supports they need.

What to Expect

Patients admitted to the International Center for Spinal Cord Injury at Kennedy Krieger should expect to stay at least three weeks, perhaps as long as six months. International patients can typically be accommodated immediately. This period is focused on evaluation of the patients’ needs and developing an individualized treatment plan for them. While the International Center for Spinal Cord Injury does incorporate some traditional forms of physical and occupational therapy, its focus is on advanced restoration therapies (RT). These techniques, which often involve methods like functional electrical stimulation and aquatherapy, are designed to help patients recover movement and sensation by spurring cell growth and encouraging remaining cells to “remember” how to move. Whether or not patients are able to recover sensation or movement as a result of these therapies, the increased physical activity can help offset the skin breakdown, infections, osteoporosis and other medical complications associated with spinal cord injuries.

In addition, a large part of the International Center for Spinal Cord Injury’s program involves instructing parents and caregivers in long-term therapy techniques that can be delivered in the home, a strategy that can help reduce medical costs and improve quality of life for the entire family.  The Center’s goal is development and implementation of a long-term, home-based approach to rehabilitative recovery.