Episode 23: Optimizing Care for Spinal Cord Injury. A Conversation with Dr. Steven Kirshblum

How does greater access to specialized care optimize the treatment of spinal cord injuries? On this episode, Dr. Steven Kirshblum dives into the differences between general and specialized rehabilitation for SCI patients, why specialized care is critical for better patient outcomes, and the challenges of integrating specialized care for spinal cord injuries into the medical system.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

• Advancements and challenges in the treatment of spinal cord injury [3:14]
• Are rehabilitation centers certified to treat spinal cord injuries? [6:04]
• Why do specialist rehabs get better results? [8:45]
• Examining racial and ethnic disparities in spinal cord injury care [12:30]
• The integration of spinal cord injury care into the medical system [14:24]
• Exploring trends in spinal cord injury care [16:55]
• Dr. Kirshblum’s take on polypharmacy in SCI care [19:17]
• Discussing natural recovery after traumatic spinal cord injury [21:40]
• Causes of mortality in SCI patients [27:10]
• Why steroid treatments have failed to translate to human trials [31:39]
• Developing resilience in SCI patients [34:18]
• Managing bladder issues in SCI care [36:41]
• Neuromodulation as an FDA approved treatment for spinal cord injury [39:00]
• Dr. Kirshblum answers the magic wand question [43:27]

Resources & People Mentioned

• Characterizing Natural Recovery after Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (Paper) 

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• Dr. Steven Kirshblum 

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• https://maxwellboakye.com/podcast 
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