Support Groups, Organizations, Research Centers, and Resources in SCI

SUPPORT GROUPS, ORGANIZATIONS, RESEARCH CENTERS, AND RESOURCES IN SPINAL CORD INJURY

RESOURCE DIRECTORIES AND DATABASES

ABLEDATA
A national database of information on more than 23,000 assistive technology products and rehabilitation equipment from 2,600 U.S. and international manufacturers and distributors.

Ask NOAH About: Spinal Cord Injuries
Includes FAQ about SCI, glossary of SCI terms, SCI statistics, research organizations, Internet resources, support groups, newsletters, and toll free information.

eMedicine: Spinal Cord Injury
A series of full text articles on autonomic dysreflexia, Brown-Squared Syndrome, cardiovascular concerns, functional outcomes, HO, hypercalcemia, osteoporosis, prevention of thromboembolism, aging, etc. and SCI.

MEDLINEplus: Spinal Cord Injuries
Resources for patients compiled by the National Library of Medicine

National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials (NCRTM)
Its Catalog Database provides an interactive search engine to items by title, author, publisher, date, and keyword.

National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC)
NARIC , a component of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), has, for more than 20 years, maintained databases with the latest in disability information resources. REHABDATA summaries more than 51,000 documents on rehabilitation and disability research. NIDRR Program Directory has descriptions of more than 300 current research projects funded by NIDRR. NIDRR Compendium has summaries for more than 2,000 documents, fact sheets, videos, brochures, and other products of NIDRR projects. NARIC Knowledgebase has listing for 700 "content deep" Internet sites and 1,200 organizations. The NARIC Guide to Disability and Rehabilitation Periodicals lists more than 300 journals and newsletter that focus on rehabilitation, disability, and assistive technology.

New Mobility's Interactive Cafe
Includes Message Board, Bookstore, Magazine, Jobline, and Chat Room.

Paralinks; the Electric Magazine for People with Spinal Cord Injury
Weekly magazine on "life with wheelchairs and people who use them."

Pediatric Spinal Cord and Spinal Column Trauma
An excellent overview of the unique mechanisms and treatment of pediatric spine trauma and the anatomical and biomechanical differences between pediatric and adult spines, written by Doug Brockmeyer, MD and available at the Pediatric Spine site of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.

REHABDATA
The leading literature database on disability and rehabilitation, maintained by the National Rehabilitation Information Center. Describes more than 51,000 documents, published since 1992, on physical, mental, and psychiatric disabilities, independent living, vocational rehabilitation, special education, assistive technology, law, employment, and other issues

Spinal Cord Injury Model System Research Publications
Database of publications from the SCI Model Systems.

SPINALCORD Injury Information Network
Located at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, this site provides "a comprehensive and organized resource of Spinal Cord Information and Resources from recognized centers, organizations, researchers, and educators. It promotes "interaction among individuals with SCI, researchers, and others" via a live Chat Room and a Guest Book for posting and responding to messages. It provides links to other SCI-related Web sites accessible by SCI Topic, e.g. 'medical' and 'psychosocial'; by SCI Disability Organizations, e.g. commercial, consumer, Model SCI Care Systems, National SCI Statistical Center', RRTC's, Rehab Centers, and Listings by State; and by More SCI Information, e.g. audiovisuals, foreign language, magazines, publications, etc.

Spinal Cord Injury Resource Center
Information on basic anatomy, physiology, resulting complications, recent research, and tips on finding a rehabilitation center.

Spinal Cord Injury Resources
SCI-related Web sites accessible by Treatment Centers, e.g. Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago; by Research centers and organizations; by Bulletin Boards/Chat rooms; by Newsletters/Magazines, Articles/Pamphlets, and Images; and by Other Resources, e.g. assistive devices, home automation, wheelchairs, etc.

Spinal Cord Medicine; Principles and Practice, V.W. Lin, ed. N.Y., Demos Medical Publishing, 2003.
Consists of 74 chapters in 10 sections on anatomy and physiology, spinal cord imaging and epidemiology, acute spinal cord injury management from prehospital management, emergency room evaluation and intensive care, and considerations relating to spine surgery, various aspects of medical management, management of bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunctions, the neurologic aspects of spinal cord care including spasticity and pain management, musculoskeletal care, and rehabilitation.

Spine Care Finder
Database of > 3,000 members of the North American Spine Society which has members in many specialities and is committed to a multidisciplinary approach to spinal care.