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 […]
Medically Speaking
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...
Hypertension – the silent killer
High blood pressure often goes undetected because of a lack of symptoms, but it is responsible for 50 percent of strokes. Prevention is better than cure and with these tips it can be avoided. High blood pressure or hypertension is a disease that’s common around the world and especially so...
How much do you really know about diabetes?
Millions of South Africans are diagnosed with diabetes, which is often a contributing factor to strokes. Wheelchair users are no exception! Here is what you need to know about the different kinds of diabetes and how it can be managed. Diabetes in South Africa has been described as an approaching […]
Dealing with shoulder pain
Most people with an SCI will experience shoulder pain at some point, but it’s very important to prevent serious injury. Here are a few ways to reduce or avoid injury. Shoulder pain is common in people with a spinal cord injury (SCI) as well as people who have suffered a […]
Tendon transfers
Patients suffering from an SCI that has compromised their upper limbs may consider the option of tendon-transfer surgery Living with spinal cord injury (SCI) is challenging at the best of times. Individuals with an SCI where upper limb function is normal and preserved (paraplegics) are usually functionally independent in all […]
Medical cannabis – facts and myths
Much has been said and written about the “legalisation” of cannabis (or dagga) in South Africa. But there are, well, high and lows to consider… Cannabis has been shown to have several valuable uses in medicine. There are many countries that have legalised the medical use of cannabis, but in […]