 are assessed with pressure mapping and wheelchair propulsion (how a child moves their wheelchair) is evaluated by the unique combination of motion analysis and SmartWheel analysis.
Spinal Cord Injury Research
Our spinal cord injury program includes a strong emphasis on research. Shriners Children's researchers are committed to providing care and rehabilitation services that strengthen children’s self-esteem while promoting independence.
Shriners Children's research teams hope to find a way to help children paralyzed by spinal cord injury and disease to walk again. While scientific investigators seek ways to repair the spinal cord, our researchers develop novel therapies to prevent damage to spinal cord function caused by inflammation that may occur after immunizations and viral infections, or as a component of diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Some of our research studies have been on quality of life issues, long-term outcomes, and the impact of pediatric spinal cord injury on the family. Knowledge gained from these studies may improve clinical practices and improve the lives of patients with spinal cord injuries.
Approximately 12,000 cases of spinal cord injury are reported in the United States each year.
How We Support Your Child’s Total Health and Well-Being
Families and patients say that Shriners Children’s feels like home to them, and it's no wonder to us. We know that a child's needs go beyond the physical. Our care teams support their social, emotional and developmental health with patient programs and activities.
A few examples include:
- Child life
- Music therapy
- Pet therapy
- School and community re-entry program
- Specialty camps
- Therapeutic recreation
Not all programs are available at every location. Contact your child’s care manager or any member of your child’s care team to learn more.
Shriners Children's has helped us to cope better and feel more comfortable with Memphis’s spinal cord injury. I felt I would never feel confident handling her care on my own. But after being here, I feel like there is nothing I can’t do.