Mohd Rami Al-Ahmar
Jordanian Spinal Cord Injury Charitable Society, Jordan
Title: Challenges and outcome following spinal cord injury
Biography
Biography: Mohd Rami Al-Ahmar
Abstract
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is one of the most devastating injuries which necessitate considerable changes and life-altering of an individual and their families. Acute SCI is a complicated, multi organ failure; proper and early management may make the difference between recovery and lifelong disability. Although there is contemporary advances in spinal cord medicine, considerable challenges remain, particularly recovery of lost neurologic function following injury. Prevention is the cure in SCI management and motor function is the primary determinant of overall function following SCI. Accurate documentation of the neurological level and completeness of SCI is paramount for diagnostic and prognostic aspects. A detailed neurological examination performed at least 72 hours following traumatic SCI is important prognostic value; significant neurological recovery will be expected over later weeks and months, following an incomplete injury. This talk will present a series of SCI patients evaluated according to the International Standards using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scoring and were admitted and managed at the spinal unit-King Hussein Medical Center. Accurate neurological assessment and comprehensive surgical vs. conservative management is needed to improve the final functional outcome and prevent lifelong disability.