managing-spinal-cord-injury-rehabilitation

name	managing-spinal-cord-injury-rehabilitation
description	Structures SCI rehab with ASIA classification, functional expectations, and complication prevention. Use when managing SCI rehab, documenting ASIA scores, or planning SCI recovery goals.
tags	["management","rehabilitation-medicine"]
metadata	{"author":"casemark","practice_areas":["Physical Therapy","Occupational Therapy","Rehabilitation Medicine"],"document_types":["Management Report"],"skill_modes":["Management","Coordination"]}

Managing Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

Structures spinal cord injury rehabilitation using the ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI), functional expectations by neurological level, complication prevention protocols, and specialized outcome measures. Covers complete and incomplete injuries across cervical, thoracic, and lumbar levels.

Why This Skill Exists

Spinal cord injury is among the most complex rehabilitation diagnoses, requiring coordinated management of motor, sensory, autonomic, bowel, bladder, and skin integrity across the injury continuum. The ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) classification determines prognosis, functional expectations, equipment needs, and lifetime care costs. Functional expectations for a C6 complete SCI are fundamentally different from a T10 complete SCI, and documentation must reflect level-specific goals. CMS IRF-PAI data, FIM tracking, and CARF standards all apply. SCI complications (autonomic dysreflexia, pressure injuries, DVT, heterotopic ossification, neurogenic bowel/bladder) carry significant morbidity and mortality risk. This skill ensures ASIA classification accuracy, level-appropriate goal setting, and systematic complication prevention documentation.