A Spinal Cord Injury Changes Lives: An SCI Expert Perspective

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are devastating events that can significantly impact a person’s life. Following an SCI, navigating the future to achieve the best possible outcome requires a specialized approach. An SCI fellowship trained and board certified physiatrist understands the unique circumstances you may face and provides an objective and comprehensive outline of what your future may entail.

17,000

New SCI

In the United States, it is estimated that there are 17,000 new cases of SCI every year.

282,000

Living with SCI

In the United States, it is estimated that there are 282,000 people currently living with SCI.

464

Board Certified SCI Physicians

In 2020, there were 464 board certified SCI physicians.

A Specialized Niche: SCI

Due to sheer numbers, a medical professional who does not regularly care for persons with spinal cord injury do not have the volume of experience needed to be proficient with the needs and anticipated complications that persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) may develop. There are about 17,000 new cases of spinal cord injury every year (much lower than the 795,000 Americans who suffer a stroke each year). So while a medical professional may have likely encountered numerous stroke cases, the same medical professional might see only a handful of persons with SCI that same year. In addition, most persons with SCI are brought to trauma centers so the general medical professionals outside of these centers have little experience with SCI. This vast disparity in volume highlights the critical role of board certification and fellowship training in SCI care. With fewer opportunities to encounter persons with SCIs in the general community, specializing in this field through focused training and ongoing experience is essential in understanding the nuances and needs of the person with SCI.

Better Outcomes

Studies show patients treated by SCI specialists tend to have better results in regaining function, reducing complications, and improving their overall quality of life.

In-Depth Knowledge

SCI is complex. A board-certified SCI physiatrist has the specialized training and experience to deeply understand the nervous system, spinal anatomy, and the unique multi-organ complications of a spinal cord injury.

Comprehensive Approach

A spinal cord injury goes beyond the physical injury to the spinal cord. An SCI physician understand the multi-organ complications including neuropathic and musculoskeletal pain, spasticity, neurogenic bladder, neurogenic bowel, and other complications. They also coordinate rehabilitation efforts, including physical, occupational, and mental health therapy, to maximize a patient’s potential for regaining function and independence.

Long-Term Care

Living with SCI is lifelong. An SCI physician has the knowledge and experience to provide ongoing care, address new challenges, and help patients manage their condition effectively.

References

Bennett J, Das JM, Emmady PD. Spinal Cord Injuries. [Updated 2024 Mar 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560721/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023, February 10). Stroke Facts. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
Parent S, Barchi S, LeBreton M, Casha S, Fehlings MG. The impact of specialized centers of care for spinal cord injury on length of stay, complications, and mortality: a systematic review of the literature. J Neurotrauma. 2011 Aug;28(8):1363-70. doi: 10.1089/neu.2009.1151. Epub 2011 May 25. PMID: 21410318; PMCID: PMC3143414.
Svircev JN, Raddatz MM, Leung AS, Burns SP. Current and projected workforce of spinal cord injury medicine board-certified physicians through 2040. PMR. 2022 Nov;14(11):1382-1387. doi: 10.1002/pmrj.12806. Epub 2022 May 28. PMID: 35322552.

LAW + MEDICINE

Ellia Ciammaichella, DO, JD

Dr. Ciammaichella is a board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), spinal cord injury medicine, and brain injury medicine and is a renowned author and speaker in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. She completed her PM&R Residency at the University of Texas at Houston and spent a significant amount of time at TIRR, a national renown center for spinal cord injury rehabilitation. She obtained specialized training at the spinal cord injury fellowship at the University of Utah Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital.

Her meticulous eye for detail and unique dual qualifications as a physician and lawyer make her an indispensable resource for clients seeking in-depth expertise at the intersection of medicine and law.

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