Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation in Saudi Arabia 2016

Authors

Aseri, Yasir, Mohammed Hassan Alharbi

Abstract

This article examines the rehabilitation of patients with traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCIs) in Saudi Arabia. It begins by analyzing the Saudi Arabian government’s stance through an evaluation of current legislation, policies, injury prevention measures, and available rehabilitation options for SCI patients. The author’s perspective, developed through reflective practice and extensive experience in SCI rehabilitation within the country, is also presented. The discussion is framed around four key points: the inadequacy of existing legislation and policies to address the complex needs of SCI patients, the insufficiency of preventive measures and lack of comprehensive statistics on SCIs, the variability in acute and rehabilitation care across organizations, and the ineffectiveness of vocational rehabilitation options. These factors collectively contribute to a lower quality of life (QOL) for SCI patients and increase their risk of social exclusion. The article concludes with an exploration of the QOL of SCI patients in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the urgent need for unified standards and improved care practices.

Keywords

Traumatic, Spinal Cord Injury, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation, Saudi Arabia

Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation in Saudi Arabia 2016. Aseri, Yasir, Mohammed Hassan Alharbi. 2016. IJIRCT, Volume 2, Issue 1. Pages 35-41. https://www.ijirct.org/viewPaper.php?paperId=1601006