Spinal Cord Injury: An Illustrated Guide for Health Care Professionals, 2d ed.

Hanak M, Scott A. New York, NY 10012-3955, Springer Publishing Co Inc, 1993, paperback, 173 pp, illus, $26-95.

The purpose of this book is to provide an overview of the management of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) for health care professionals. The authors state that this information will assist personnel to recognize and respond to the multitude of medical, psychological, and cultural components that influence the adjustment of persons with SCI and their families. The book is divided into 13 chapters, a glossary, three appendixes, and a bibliography.

The first chapter consists of a short review of the anatomy and physiology of the central nervous system. The next chapter covers neurological trauma and includes impairment scales, spinal shock, and autonomic hyperreflexia. Pain syndromes are classified into mechanical, peripheral, visceral, and central types. Management techniques mentioned include medication, nerve blocks, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.

The middle section of the book deals with management of major systems including respiratory, urological, cardiovascular, and nutritional. The chapter addressing musculoskeletal considerations covers passive range of motion, splinting, and transfer techniques. The use of proper body mechanics for the caregiver during transfers is listed in detail; however, there is no explanation of methods allowing persons with SCI to assist with their own mobility.

The final two chapters of this book cover psychological and sexual concerns. Many tips are included to assist personnel in effectively providing education to persons with SCI, keeping in mind their age, learning style, and value systems. Staff reactions to and methods of coping with angry and depressed patients are addressed, with specific suggestions offered for difficult situations.

Resource phone numbers, SCI centers, and a patient and family teaching overview make up the three appendixes. A fairly extensive bibliography of recent clinical textbooks and journal articles completes the book.

This book provides a handy overview of the many facets all physical therapy practitioners should be aware of in working with persons with SCI. Some illustrations are inaccurate, as in shoulder abduction being labeled as adduction. The authors do, however, refer the reader to physical therapy and occupational therapy textbooks for more in-depth information on techniques and equipment. The summaries at the end of many chapters describe technological advancements such as environmental control systems and cover long-term concerns and complications. Therapists in acute, rehabilitation, and community settings will find this relatively inexpensive text to be a useful quick reference to add to their libraries.