Spinal Cord Injury: A Guide for Living (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book)

There are approximately 220,000 people with spinal cord injury in the United States and about 10,000 new injuries each year. This straightforward book is designed to help them--and their family members and friends--during the rehabilitation process and the journey that follows. Written by three professionals in rehabilitation medicine and psychology, Spinal Cord Injury is an easy to understand, comprehensive resource for everyone with SCI, containing essential information for people who are newly injured and for those who have longer experience in coping with injury.

The book thoroughly reviews the challenges that may be encountered by people with spinal cord injury throughout their lives, addressing all aspects of spinal cord injury, from psychological, sexual, and social matters to 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 that can derail the adaptation process. But they remind readers that, as with any major life crisis, spinal cord injury can be a catalyst for positive change. A spinal cord injury challenges a person to find creative channels for self-expression, personal strength, and new ways of being in the world. One of the book's most important messages is that a meaningful life is possible after spinal cord injury and that psychosocial adjustment is not necessarily linked to one's degree of physical function or disability.

Illustrating each chapter with patient histories--ranging from relatively mild to moderate to 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. Chapters include: Part I--Trauma, Hospitalization, and Rehabilitation Chapter 1: Into the Wilderness: Trauma and Hospitalization Chapter 2: Lost and Searching: Rehabilitation Chapter 3: Reading the Map: Adjustment Part II--The Challenge of Readjustment Chapter 4: Going Home: Old Territory in a New Light Chapter 5: Focus on the Family Chapter 6: Lovers' Lane: Dating, Coupling, and Sexuality Chapter 7: Life Goes On: Independent Living Part III--Successful Living with Spinal Cord Injury Chapter 8: The Next Frontier: Spinal Cord Injury Research Chapter 9: The Journey Continues Chapter 10: Concluding Thoughts

Life after spinal cord injury is a progression through medical recovery, emotional adjustment, social integration, and fulfillment of personal goals. People with SCI must find the courage and persistence to redefine personal and professional relationships as well as their own relationship with a changed self. Spinal Cord Injury: A Guide for Living is a much needed resource that will help people with spinal cord injury overcome obstacles in managing the challenges of their new lives.

Sara Palmer, Ph.D., is a psychologist and an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Kay Harris Kriegsman, Ph.D., is a psychologist in private practice in Bethesda, Maryland, and is a consultant on disability issues. Jeffrey B. Palmer, M.D., is a professor and director in the Deptartment of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.