Rehabilitation of the spinal cord injured patient.

Spinal cord injury affects about 200,000 people in the United States. This article discusses the disease process after acute hospitalization and the role of the nurse in the care and empowerment of the spinal cord injured patient during the rehabilitation phase. In addition to a review of didactic information concerning spinal cord injuries, this article will focus on the role of the nurse as "teacher." The manuscript stresses the importance of patient involvement and that the ultimate goal of successful rehabilitation (a lifelong process) is for the patient to direct and plan his or her own care.