Role of rehabilitation after spinal cord injury.

Spinal cord injury rehabilitation strives to provide the opportunity for persons with an acquired disability to lead a fruitful and satisfying personal and vocational life. The delivery of proper rehabilitation care to these patients involves the establishment of a continuum of services that includes the emergency medical system, the acute and rehabilitation hospital stay, and a program for lifetime health maintenance. As the patient regains health and confidence in his abilities, successful adjustment is promoted by separating the disabled person from a dependence on medical systems, redirecting the life focus back to family, and addressing vocational and social issues.