Neurosurgery

Conditions

Diagnosing a spinal cord injury involves a variety of tests including CT scans, X-Rays and MRIs. Myelography may also be used when an MRI isnÕt possible or when it will yield additional information about spinal cord lesions and abnormalities. These tests combined give physicians insight into possible fractures, disc problems, soft tissue damage, tumors and other abnormalities.

After stabilizing a patient who has been diagnosed with a spinal cord injury, the treating doctor may also use a neurological exam to determine the depth of your injury. This will involve tests evaluating muscle strength and the core senses.

Our clinical program focuses on:

• Medical management of spinal cord injuries
• Interdisciplinary intervention to effectively treat spinal cord injuries
• Early involvement of family and friends
• Restoration or adaptation of individual functional skills
• Integration of functional skills into effective routines for daily living
• Strengthening and conditioning
• Development of coping strategies for patients and their families
• Community re-integration
• Early comprehensive discharge planning

Spinal cord injury treatment and rehabilitation at Emory consists of a team of dedicated medical professionals who share a collective vision of innovative patient-centered care, which is integrated with cutting-edge research and technology. As leaders demonstrating excellence in academic medicine, we are at the forefront for rehabilitating individuals with spinal cord injuries, neural damage, musculoskeletal problems, pain, amputations and chronic disease across the life span using evidence-based medicine, novel assistive technology and community integration to improve the patient's quality of life. Spinal cord rehabilitation at Emory provides a full continuum of care including acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, rehabilitation day program, and outpatient rehabilitation.