Spinal Cord Injury Program
The Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Program provides a complete spectrum of the specialized services required for optimal care for spinal cord injured patients. This comprehensive program prepares the patient to return to home and provides support for lifetime care.
SCI care begins when the patient first arrives at Northridge Hospital, with paramedics, the emergency room, ICU, and surgery services working closely together. During inpatient rehabilitation, highly trained physicians, nurses, therapists, and allied health care professionals create an individualized program of education and one-on-one training for patients and their families.
The Outpatient Spinal Cord Injury Program is unique as it provides training for advanced mobility skills, functional electrical stimulation, as well as evaluation for progressive gait training devices. A wheelchair and cushion clinic for complex seating needs, opportunities for participating in wheelchair sports and a weekly SCI support group are also offered. The hospital's indoor pool is available to SCI patients for use in improving and easing functional mobility.
This program is the only spinal cord injury program of its size and complexity in northern Los Angeles County, and cares for all types of spinal cord injury from an uncomplicated paraplegia to respirator-dependent tetraplegia/quadriplegia. The Federal Government designated the Spinal Cord Injury Program at Northridge Hospital, in 1981, as the "Pacific Region Spinal Injury Care System."
Spinal Cord Injury Program
Trauma, tumor infection, immune, vascular or degenerative disorder, or surgical complications any of these can result in a catastrophic spinal cord injury with physical and emotional impairments that drastically alter the victim's and their families way of life. The person with spinal cord injury faces barriers in performing once common activities; activities performed without conscious effort are now major challenges. Surviving, adjusting, and making a new life requires the combined efforts of patient, family, and the entire Northridge Rehabilitation team.
A Thorough System of Care
Northridge Hospital provides the full spectrum of specialized services required for optimal care of the spinal cord injured patient. From trauma/emergency care (accessible by helicopter air ambulance service), to inpatient medical and rehabilitation care, to long-term outpatient care and community reintegration, our system provides treatment, support, and follow-up. This level of comprehensive care has a significant impact on the patient's recovery and their return to a full and active life. It also has an impact on the length of stay and costs associated with hospitalization.
Comprehensive Team Care
The primary emphasis within the first few days of the patient's admission to Rehab will include a comprehensive evaluation of the patient resulting in a coordinated treatment plan. During this time, the patient and family are oriented to the Rehab program and facility.
The team members responsible for the comprehensive care provided to the patient consists of:
- Medical Psychology
- Medical and Surgical Consultants
- Occupational Therapy
- Orthotist/Prosthetist
- Physiatrist
- Physical Therapy
- Rehab Technologists
- Respiratory Therapy
- Social Services
- Specialized Nursing
- Speech Therapy
- Therapeutic Recreation
Therapeutic Recreation
Therapeutic Recreation responds to patients' need for leisure and recreational activities they can engage in at home and within their community. A wide range of challenging and enjoyable activities are offered such as art, sports, outdoor activities, and community outings. Patients and families are provided with information on available resources in their community. For information, please call (818) 885-8500, extension 3610.
Wheelchair Sports Program
This program provides an important aspect of the total rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities. The program includes teams such as wheelchair hockey, wheelchair tennis, and quad rugby. Other sports include wheelchair football, over the line tournaments, sailing, snow skiing, and water-skiing. For information, please call (818) 885-8500, extension 3610.
