Improvement in ASIA-score for traumatic spinal cord injured individuals

Abstract

Traumatic spinal cord injury is an injury which affect the patient on a functional, mental, social and economic level (1, 2). An injury to the spinal cord can affect motor, sensory and autonomic systems (1). From injury through rehabilitation process, neurologic recovery is seen (3). Hence it is interesting to find out what already is known about neurologic recovery in SCI and find what to expect with regards to prognosis. To assess neurologic recovery, the American spinal injury association impairment scale (AIS) was used (3). A literature search was conducted. The search words used were; spinal cord injuries (MeSH term), spinal cord injury, Traumatic spinal cord injury, prognosis (MeSH term), recovery of function (MeSH term), neurologic recovery, American spinal cord injury association impairment scale and ASIA impairment scale. Of the total 52 articles found, only three had recorded neurologic recovery in a five-year period with a 12-24 months follow-up period. These three articles were included in this thesis. The results imply that complete injuries have a low rate of neurologic recovery and incomplete injury has a better chance of neurologic recovery. Hence, increase in AIS. Knowledge about the neurologic recovery process is important for both the patient and rehabilitation team. From this knowledge it is possible to individualize the rehabilitation program with training and technique practice. As well give good information to patient and family about what to expect after an injury to the spinal cord (3).