Spinal Cord Injury Awareness

Updated: Jan 20, 2023

A spinal cord injury can occur at any time and to anyone.

The incidence of spinal injuries is increasing in all developing countries, with India seeing over 200000 cases of spinal injuries each year. Thirty thousand of these were related to spinal cord injury and various types of paralysis. Road accidents (approximately 50%), workplace accidents with falls from great heights (45%), and sports injuries (rare).

Our goal is to prevent future injuries by raising awareness among India's youth about what a spinal cord injury is and how to avoid it. A fall, an accident, or any condition that affects the spinal cord can result in a state of permanent paralysis.

Once everyone is aware of this, we expect that more people will be persuaded to adopt appropriate safety precautions, thereby reducing future injuries.

As of now, there is absolutely no treatment for spinal cord injuries anywhere in the world; they result in a lifelong need for a wheelchair. Unneeded risks may be reduced by taking safety precautions.

At best, India's emergency medical care system is subpar. When the person is being evacuated from the vehicle to the hospital, or shortly after an accident, spinal cord injuries frequently happen. The availability of qualified emergency medical personnel as soon as possible after an accident is crucial because they know how to support the spine and can help prevent spinal cord injuries.

In India, the general society is unaware of spinal cord injuries, and many people who have them must deal with intense shame to the point where they are even compelled to attempt suicide.

Especially in rural places, many children are left to perish on the streets after being abandoned by their relatives. However, many Indians have overcome great odds and are living happy, fulfilling lives thanks to support from their families, society, and inner strength. In order to radically alter social perceptions of what it means to live with physical limitations, we strive to raise the proportion of such positively abled persons. Regardless of the physical obstacles that must be overcome, we are dedicated to working toward building a more inclusive India that will offer equitable opportunities in education, employment, and entrepreneurship.

Many people with spinal cord injuries are defying the odds and opting to live active, motivational lives all over the world thanks to ongoing technological breakthroughs and cutting-edge medical care.

In India, the government provides rehabilitation services for people with spinal cord injuries through various facilities and programs. These include:

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi: AIIMS is one of the premier medical institutions in India and its spinal injuries center is one of the most well-equipped in the country. The center offers both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services, as well as surgical treatment for spinal cord injuries. The center has a team of specialists, including orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, and physiotherapists, who work together to provide comprehensive care for patients.
National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research (NIRTAR) in Odisha: NIRTAR is a premier institute for rehabilitation in India and provides training and rehabilitation services for people with spinal cord injuries. The institute offers a wide range of services, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and counseling services, to help patients regain their independence and improve their quality of life. NIRTAR also conducts research to improve rehabilitation practices and develop new technologies for spinal cord injury patients.
Artificial Limb Centre (ALC) in Mumbai: ALC is a government-funded facility that provides prosthetic and orthotic devices to people with spinal cord injuries, as well as rehabilitation services. The center has a team of prosthetists and orthotists who work with patients to design and fit custom-made devices. The center also offers rehabilitation services, such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy, to help patients adjust to their new devices and regain their independence.
National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) in New Delhi: NCPEDP is an organization that works towards the inclusion of people with spinal cord injuries in the workforce. The organization provides vocational training and job placement services to help patients find suitable employment. They also work with employers to create a more inclusive work environment and advocate for the rights of people with spinal cord injuries.
Spinal Injury Care Centre (SICC) in Kochi: SICC is a government-funded center that provides comprehensive rehabilitation services for people with spinal cord injuries. The center offers a wide range of services, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, counseling, and vocational training, to help patients regain their independence and improve their quality of life. The center has a team of specialists, including doctors, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists, who work together to provide comprehensive care for patients.

Note that these are just a few examples of the government facilities available in India for spinal cord injury patients, there are many other state-funded centers, as well as NGOs, which provide support and rehabilitation for spinal cord injury patients in India.

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