Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

A spinal cord injury is a devastating event, both physically and psychologically. In addition to paralysis and loss of sensation below the level of injury, a spinal cord injury also impacts many different bodily functions, including circulation, metabolism, temperature regulation, nutritional health, skin, respiration, bowel and bladder elimination, and sexuality.

The complexity of spinal cord injuries requires the highly specialized skills of a healthcare team trained to manage this kind of injury. TIRR Memorial Hermann was one of the first facilities in the United States to establish a civilian spinal cord injury center. The facility is also one of the first to be chosen as a federally designated Regional Model Spinal Cord Injury System for its exemplary patient management and research, a designation maintained since 1972.

In addition to medical and therapy services, the Spinal Cord Injury Program provides specialized services, such as in-house urology consultation and urodynamics studies, spasticity management (including nerve blocks and Baclofen® pumps, and a male fertility clinic.) TIRR is internationally recognized for its expertise in the management of tetraplegic spinal cord injury patients who require a ventilator for breathing, including patients who are able to wean from the ventilator.

TIRR focuses on patient needs and practices a unified, interdisciplinary approach to patient care. We consider our mission to be accomplished when persons with spinal cord injuries, within their individual capabilities and opportunities, achieve a quality of life with personal independence, productive functioning and maximum state of health.

To learn more about spinal cord injury rehabilitation and how you can participate in the acclaimed Spinal Cord Injury Program at TIRR Memorial Hermann, call 713-797-5942.