Spinal Cord Injury. Introducing Thomas N Bryce

Recovering from spinal cord injuries is a complex process as they can be the result of serious localized trauma or lifestyle habits. That is why it is helpful to have a professional by your side while you undergo recovery. Thomas N Bryce, our leader in Spinal Cord Medicine at the Department of Rehabilitative medicine, has been a part of our team here at Mount Sinai since 1997 and could be the answer to your problem.

Dr Thomas Bryce has an impressive academic record. Prior to joining us, he completed his undergraduate degree from Albany Medical College and received speciality training at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. He is a leader in the field, being the principal investigator of several ongoing studies in these areas and “wrote the book” (quite literally) on spinal cord injuries having authored numerous chapters and peer-reviewed articles on the subject.

Dr Bryce’s research is focused on assessing residing pain after spine damage, use of robotic exoskeletons to facilitate walking, and stem cell implantations for neurological recovery. He has been involved in several international taskforces with the aim to reduce pain after spinal cord surgery.

He is currently Governor Cuomo to the New York State Spinal Cord Research Board. Dr Bryce’s method is intersectional. He works closely with physical therapists, occupational therapists, neuropsychologists, and other surgical specialists to provide bespoke comprehensive care.

Dr Bryce understands the intricacies that are involved in recovering from spinal cord injury.

A bespoke plan can be constructed to suit anyone’s individual needs when going through this difficult period. Spine damage can be the result of hard trauma or lifestyle or a mix of both. Dr. Bryce can accommodate plans that involve difficult lifestyle changes. This includes both long-term habitual corrections, such as posture to post-surgery rehab.

If you have suffered a sports-related injury, please contact us at Mount Sinai Department of Rehabilitative Medicine for a bespoke rehab plan. Contact our switchboard on: (212) 241-6321

Recovering from spinal cord surgery

Spinal cord injuries are the result of both accidents and lifestyle habits. We can avoid developing a weak spine by adjusting our lifestyles. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for accidents. A car accident or slipping over can lead to tremendous long-term discomfort and pain with little we can do to prevent these damages, assuming you're wearing your seatbelt and not running on unstable surfaces. Nonetheless, there are ways we can tackle this issue using advances in medical science. Spine surgery can have incredible effects on your quality of life. Let’s investigate how you can plan your recovery after a surgery. Please note that timestamps are generalized and dependent on your health and recovery plan.

Spine surgery is one of the more common types of surgery, and most are minimally invasive.  Let’s take a look at what spine surgery can do for you.

Firstly, when you’re in the hospital, you may have one of these surgeries depending on what type of damage you have incurred.  

·       Diskectomy – surgery to remove all or part of your disk

·       Foraminotory – surgery to widen the opening in your back where nerve roots leave your spinal column

·       Laminectomy – surgery to remove the lamina, two small bones that make up a vertebra, or bone spurs in your back, to take pressure off your spinal nerves or spinal column

·       Spinal fusion – the fusing of two bones together in your back to correct problems in your spine

Your physician will give you a bespoke plan relating to your damage and recovery plan.

Depending on your surgery, recovery could take anywhere between 3 weeks to 6 months to recover. Other conditions that could affect your recovery is your lifestyle and bodily condition before the surgery.

Your bandages have a lifespan of approximately 9 days.  Check to see if the area has changed colour, swollen, or begins to open up. If this happens, contact your surgeon immediately. If there are no issues, you may begin to shower again. Wait 5 days before showering, and cover the incision with plastic wrap. Do not allow shower from the head to spray the wounded area. You should also want to avoid stairs for the first week or so.

Once a few weeks have passed, and the healing process is underway, you should be attempting to work your way into your previous routine. Before continuing your rehab, please note: do not sit still for extended periods of time, and inform yourself on proper posture by reading this. If you are supported by a brace or corset, you should be wearing it when sitting and walking, however, it would be unnecessary to wear the brace when you are sitting for short periods of time or using the bathroom at night. Finally, do not drive for the first 2 weeks.

Now is the point where, as opposed to what you should avoid, we can start looking at how you can actively help the healing process.

Around the 4 week stage, generally, you should be taking light walks to strengthen surrounding areas. Increase the speed or duration of the walk slowly. This allows the spine to heal itself within an active body and correct itself. A sedentary lifestyle will encourage previous problems to return. Continue to up your exercise slowly as your spine recovers.

Please note, you should contact your surgeon immediately if you experience any of the following:

·        Chills or a fever of 101°F (38.3°C), or higher

·        More pain where you had your surgery

·        Drainage from the wound or the drainage is green or yellow

·        Lose feeling or have a change of feeling in your arms (if you had neck surgery) or your legs and feet (if you had lower back surgery)

·        Chest pain, shortness of breath

·        Swelling

·        Calf pain

·        Your back pain worsens and does not get better with rest and/or pain medicine

·        Difficulty urinating and controlling your bowel movements

If this routine does not help, or you need medical attention, please contact us at Mount Sinai Department of Rehabilitative Medicine. A bespoke plan will be necessary if you suffer from other medical problems. Contact our switchboard on: (212) 241-6321

Brain Injury - The Healing Process

Brain Injury has a traumatic effect on not the only the victim, but also the victim’s family. Often, cognitive, behavioural, and emotional changes can be difficult to witness - especially as victims tend to be in a state of denial about their injury. You may feel as though the person you knew has been replaced by someone else. But rest assured, you can help a loved one fight back against brain injury by having an understanding on how their symptoms work and having a structured method of reclaiming their life. This week, we will look at dealing with the life transition after someone you know suffers from brain injury.

Please remember to create a bespoke plan of action to ensure your loved one receives optimal help. As brain injury is an umbrella term, it is important you know how much to focus on distinct aspects of rehabilitation. Please consult your physician for guidance.

After brain injury, the victim’s lack of control over their mood and behaviour is a common consequence of any serious brain injury. Frequent and notable behavioural changes are anxiety and depression, but also extend to poor behaviour and a loss of memory. Their behaviour may drastically change after suffering, and depending on the severity of damage – they may never be the same again. It may be necessary to see a psychiatrist if depression or anxiety gets out of hand, and ensure they are in an appropriate support group.

Some victim’s behaviour can be unrecognizable – and they may begin acting up and misbehaving. The most effective ways of dealing with bad behaviour is in a firm but fair way. Set limits around their behaviour and how you allow them to treat you.

The first three months are the most essential when recovering from brain injury; and starting early means you can optimize success. During this time ensure you have started all physiotherapy programs, exercises, and seen your occupational therapist. This will aid in regaining communication, social, and personal skills alongside aiding with any emotional struggles you may be experiencing. It can take time adjust to changes – be patient and support each other during the process.

The most effective way of supporting a loved one is to help them form new habits. Depending on the victim’s need, you can help them improve mobility or gain function of certain parts of their body. This type of therapy will allow the patient to reclaim their life in the long term. It is important that you know your limits, and ensure there is a professional program in place. For example, a neurologist can work with your psychiatrist to help improve concentration and mood swings. Your primary doctor will refer you if necessary.

You can also aid in their recovery by encouraging a healthy diet. A healthy body is fertile ground for success, ensure the brain has all the nutrients it needs available to it. You physician will advise you on foods to avoid and alternatives if chewing/shallowing is a problem.

Finally, you can encourage writing things down to encourage neural pathways to heal. In the long-term, this will aid in allowing the victims brain to heal. More importantly, it allows the patient to keep track of calendar appointments, medications, addresses, and an emergency contact number. You could even label things in the patient’s house depending on the severity of damage.

If you would like a plan on how to deal with a recent brain injury, please contact us as it is important you speak to your physician as soon as possible. Contact our switchboard on: (212) 241-6321