As COVID-19 rages on, Dr Ed Baalbergen reminds people with spinal cord injuries about the risks associated to respiratory infections
Author: Ed Baalbergen
Heart health for people with SCIs
A spinal cord injury often leads to other complications and challenges, such as a greater risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Fortunately these risks can be managed People with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases than non-injured peers. This group of conditions further places them...
Depression and SCI
Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety are very common, particularly among people who have suffered a spinal cord injury. It is estimated that they affect up to 37 percent of this community Depression is common and can affect anyone at any point in their lives. As many as...
Treating severe spasticity
Oral medication, the usual method for dealing with mild to moderate spasticity, may not work well in severe cases. Let’s look at implanted devices as an effective approach to managing severe spasticity Spasticity is a common complication seen after SCI, traumatic brain injury and stroke. In ROLLING INSPIRATION issue 3 […]
Breast cancer prevention: an update
Breast cancer is a common condition facing South African women. It can be caused by a number of factors. Here is an update on what you need to know about the causes and prevention of breast cancer Breast cancer is the most common cancer found in women, but it does […]
Managing temperature control and abnormal sweating
Among the many challenges spinal cord injured persons need to deal with are body temperature regulation and sweating. Both are controlled by the autonomic nervous system of the body. In order to understand the challenge experienced by SCI patients fully, let’s review how normal control of these bodily functions is […]
Deep breath
The respiratory system can be affected in many ways after an SCI, and its health is an important aspect of long-term care. Here are some guidelines for taking care of the respiratory system post-injury Your respiratory system (or pulmonary system) is responsible for breathing. This system, through the lungs, enables […]
A technological cure for SCI?
Over the years many methods have been used in an attempt to restore function in a person who’s suffered an SCI. Not all have been effective, but wireless technology might be the key. An SCI results in permanent and usually irreversible damage to the spinal cord. This has catastrophic neurological […]
DVT and its risks
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that could have various complications for people with disabilities and even cause death. DVT is a condition whereby a thrombosis (a blood clot) forms within the venous (vein) system of the body – normally, but not exclusively, in the lower limb. These blood […]
The battle for single-use catheters
Medical professionals agree that hydrophilic single-use catheters are the safest option for individuals requiring clean intermittent catheterisation. Medical aids are, however, unwilling to cover the cost. Following a spinal cord injury (SCI), one of the greatest challenges is to manage incontinence. Urinary incontinence and the management of the paralysed bladder […]