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Traumas
Each year an estimated 500,000 people sustain brain and spinal cord injuries in the US. These injuries are usually caused by motor vehicle crashes, falls, sports and recreation (especially diving), and violence. Children and teens are at high-risk for these devastating injuries, many of which are preventable. Examples of these injuries are concussions (injuries to the brain that cannot be seen on CT or MRI scans), contusions (an injury that results in bruising or bleeding into the brain), subdural hematomas (blood clots that are on the surface of the brain, but below the tough membrane – dura – that surrounds the brain), epidural hematomas (blood clots that are on the surface of the dura), and fractures.
Patients who suffer from injuries to the brain and spinal cord require specialized care at every step of their treatment and recovery. This begins with their initial evaluation at the scene of the injury and emergency room, continues during their initial hospital stay (if required), and transitions into their rehabilitation and recovery. Many specialists are involved, including neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuro-psychologists, rehabilitations medicine physicians, and therapists.
The UW has one the most comprehensive and experienced trauma programs in the world. In fact, its Medic One system serves as an international model for 911 and trauma systems. The Head and Spinal Cord Injury Center located at Harborview Medical Center, is the sole Level I Trauma Center for the five state WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho) region, and evaluates and treats 800-1000 head and spinal cord injuries annually. This is a multidisciplinary center that involves rehabilitation medicine, neurology, neurosurgery, vocational disciplines, orthopedic surgery, and general surgery. In addition to the acute management of head and spine trauma, state-of-the-art rehabilitation and recovery facilities are located at each of the four UW affiliated hospitals. Clinical trials and basic research programs are also ongoing in the areas of cerebral blood flow, neurological intensive care, new techniques in spinal stabilization and rehabilitation medicine.
UW Rehabilitation Medicine Home Page
http://depts.washington.edu/rehab/
Think First of Washington
http://depts.washington.edu/think1st/
Introduction
| Aneurysms | Brain
Mapping | Case Studies | Chiari
Malformation
Congenital Abnormalities | Epilepsy
| Movement Disorders | Pain
and Spasticity
Pediatrics | Peripheral
Nerves | Radio Surgery and Radiotherapy
Spine | Stroke
and Vascular Lesions | Trauma | Tumors