Pediatric Nurse Care for Medically Fragile Children
As nurses and parents ourselves, we know that working through the care of a child suffering from a spinal cord injury can be a challenge and can pose lifestyle changes that you were not prepared for. However, specialized healthcare professionals and medical innovations are making it easier for parents and caregivers to provide the tools children with spinal cord injuries need to live productive, independent, and fulfilling lives despite their condition.
Special Medical Care for Children with Spinal Cord Injuries in Georgia
The first step is to work with a medical team that specializes in cervical spinal column and cord for children. In Georgia, there are two rehabilitation centers that have developed special programs for children and adolescents with spinal cord injuries, and we want to recognize the amazing work these organizations have done. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has a Spinal Cord Injury Program for both children and teens, and the Shepherd Center has an Adolescent and Teen Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program for ages 12 and up.
There is a specialized way of managing children with potential injuries of the cervical spinal column and cervical spinal cord compared to adult patients. Firstly, the type of immobilization necessary to approximate neutral cervical spinal alignment in young children differs from those utilized in adults. As a result, the interpretation of the pediatric radiographic studies must be made with knowledge of age-related development of the osseous and ligamentous anatomy. This ultimately defines the treatment needed (both surgical and non-surgical) to advance the physical condition of the patient.
Spinal Cord Injury at Home Care
Once a non-surgical treatment program is outlined by a physician, that’s where Optimum Pediatric Services comes in. We proudly work with many physicians at these types of hospitals to continue the specialized treatment plans necessary to help the patient improve and adjust to their injuries. Some of the most common treatments our experienced team of pediatric nurses help with include:
· Thoracic elevation to prevent flexion of the head and neck when restrained for better neutral alignment and immobilization of the cervical spine.
· Reduction with halter or tong/halo traction for patients with chronic acute atlantoaxial rotary subluxation (AARS)
· General breathing, hygiene and mobility support related to ventilators, catheters and pressure ulcers.
Spinal Cord Injury Care for Children in Georgia
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Spinal Cord Injury Program
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) has one of the largest inpatient rehabilitation centers for spinal cord injuries in the country. The rehabilitation program is designed for children and teens and offers many support services, including:
o Assistive technology
o Driver Rehab Program
o Hand Therapy
o Music Therapy
o Robotic Therapy
o Therapeutic Recreation
CHOA has a ventilator program that can help children and adolescents with spinal cord injuries improve their breathing abilities. Furthermore, a peer mentorship program is also offered to spinal cord injury patients. This allows children and teens to connect to others with similar experiences and to feel better supported in the recovery process.
Spinal Cord Injury Care for Teens in Georgia
Shepherd Center Adolescent and Teen Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program
The Shepherd Center was named one of the best rehabilitation hospitals in 2021-2022, and the hospital offers an Adolescent and Teen Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program for ages 12 and up. Families from all over the country come to the Shepherd Center to provide their children and teens with the best possible treatment and rehabilitation experiences. There are many wonderful features of the hospital’s Adolescent and Teen Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program, but some highlights are:
o Individual rehabilitation sessions in the same therapy gym as other teens
o Teens-only support groups and visits from former teen patients
o Community outings
o An on-staff teacher who keeps patients up to date on schoolwork
o An innovative, school-reintegration program that helps lessen anxiety for teachers, classmates and the newly injured adolescent
o Adaptive video gaming program
Another unique feature of the Shepherd Center is that it offers family housing for families that live more than 60 miles from the hospital.
Modern Pediatric Spinal Cord Injury Solutions and Experts are Here for You
Spinal cord injuries are not easy to face; however, there are numerous resources, nurses and doctors, caregivers, and specialists that make the rehabilitation process just a little bit easier. If your child needs in-home support services for spinal cord injuries, please contact us to learn more about how Optimum Pediatric Services can help you.
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