Advertise on podcast: SCI Care: What Really Matters

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Michael Fehlings is joined by Dr. Andreas Demetriades to discuss his recent publication in Spinal Cord “Lessons from 19th-century Edinburgh: a perspective on paraplegia management from 1876”. This episode covers central pillars of spinal cord injury care in the 19th century and how lessons learned during this time period has shaped care today.   Learning goals for the episode  Learn about multidisciplinary spinal cord injury care provided in resource-limited situations in 19th century ScotlandConsider the importance of holistic multidisciplinary care in current timesReflect on the future of spinal cord injury care based on lessons from the pastWhat questions will be raised in this webinar/podcast? Introductory remarks from Michael FehlingsMichael Fehlings will ask guest(s) to summarize key points from the manuscriptMichael Fehlings will discuss points with guest(s)Michael Fehlings will ask guest(s) about anticipated future directions for this work as well as clinical impactThe opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies.  You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn Contact us directly with any questions or comments at [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Could cooling the injured spinal cord offer a new approach to protecting neurological function after spinal cord injury (SCI)? In this episode, we explore the potential of local hypothermia as a neuroprotective strategy for SCI, examining the biological rationale behind cooling the spinal cord and how this approach could help limit secondary injury. The discussion looks at the latest developments in techniques and biomaterials designed to deliver targeted hypothermia directly to the injured spinal cord, as well as the challenges that need to be addressed before these approaches can become part of routine clinical care. The episode also considers the current evidence and why further clinical trials are essential to establish the safety, effectiveness and future role of locally delivered hypothermia in spinal cord injury treatment. Key take-home messages: Local hypothermia is one of the most biologically compelling neuroprotective strategies currently being explored in SCI.Improved techniques and biomaterials for delivering local hypothermia to the injured spinal cord are in development.Further clinical trials are needed to evaluate the potential of local hypothermia for SCI and determine its role in future treatment.The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies.  You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn Contact us directly with any questions or comments at [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Alexander (Sasha) Rabchevsky joins Dr. Michael Fehlings to discuss autonomic and cardiovascular control after spinal cord injury, promising neuromodulation results, and the future of SCI research  Learning goals: Cover the importance of autonomic function and cardiovascular control after SCIDiscuss the impact of neuromodulation in SCIProvide an overview of future research directions in SCI The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies.  You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn Contact us directly with any questions or comments at [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Caroline Treanor chats with Dr. Michael Fehlings about degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) structured rehabilitation approaches as well as the highly anticipated upcoming ReMiDY trial.  Learning objectives: What is degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) and why is it important?Discussed the ReMiDY trial and the importance of evaluating structured rehabilitation for DCMCovered enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols for DCM and the role of structured rehabilitation The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies.  You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn Contact us directly with any questions or comments at [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Michael Fehlings is joined by Dr. Chester Ho – one of the new Associate Editors at Spinal Cord.  The conversation covers Dr. Ho’s perspectives on the current state of spinal cord injury research and opportunities for implementing evidence-based approaches in the clinic.  Learning goals: The concept of early surgical intervention for acute spinal cord injury was discussedThe Canadian knowledge translation efforts to implement Time is Spine were reviewedOther key areas in spinal cord injury treatment were discussed The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies.  You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn Contact us directly with any questions or comments at [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Michael Fehlings is joined by Dr. Mohit Arora to discuss his recent publication in Spinal Cord “Evidence-based recommendations for health professionals to improve care of people with spinal cord injury and cognitive impairment: An update to the psychosocial clinical practice guide”. This episode covers the factors contributing cognitive impairment after SCI, cognitive screening approaches, and future directions for the field.  Learning goals: Cognitive impairment after spinal cord injury is common, frequently overlooked, can occur immediately after injury, and arises from multiple contributing factors. If not proactively addressed, it can significantly compromise rehabilitation and long-term outcomes.Routine, validated cognitive screening should occur early and continue across the lifespan, supported by tailored communication strategies and person-centred care.We now have clear, evidence- and consensus-informed recommendations, but meaningful impact depends on system level implementation, including workforce training and supportive clinical environments.What questions will be raised in this webinar/podcast? Introductory remarks from Michael FehlingsMichael Fehlings will ask guest(s) to summarize key points from the manuscriptMichael Fehlings will discuss points with guest(s)Michael Fehlings will ask guest(s) about anticipated future directions for this work as well as clinical impactThe opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies.  You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn Contact us directly with any questions or comments at [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail The Engagement and Peer Support SIG would like to bring the audience through the story of peer support from a historical perspective to its research implications. Teri, Erik, Shane, and Gill will provide how peer support came to be, what it looks like and how different it is, the magic behind it, and how to transform that magic to measurable outcomes and impacts. Speakers Shane Sweet, Associate Professor, McGill University, CanadaGill Hilton, Austin Health, AustraliaErik Berndtsson, Outreach Development Manager, RG Active Rehabilitation, SwedenTeri Thorson, Manager, Peer Coaching and Outreach, SCI British Columbia, CanadaThe opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies.  You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn Contact us directly with any questions or comments at [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Key points: International collaboration is required to produce research that can be interpreted and applied across different regionsAs outcome measures and collection methods continue to evolve a methodical approach to updating research best practices is requiredA larger focus should be on including the thoughts of persons with lived SCI experience when defining research questionsSpeakers Dr. Fin Biering-Sørensen Dr Michael Fehlings The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies.  You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn Contact us directly with any questions or comments at [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail People with the lived experience of SCIs are one of the most vulnerable groups of in the world-both to the extreme heat and weather events which have increased in frequency because of climate change. Although health care professionals have an opportunity to educate their patients about actions they can use to protect themselves during these extreme weather events, many feel unprepared to discuss the topic. Moreover, health care professionals are beginning to experience moral distress about their inability to take action regarding this existential concern. The webinar will include participants from three continents and multiple disciplines. We will use the interactive platform mentimeter to facilitate the interaction of participants, expressing their feelings about climate change and about sharing their actions. The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies.  You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn Contact us directly with any questions or comments at [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Key points: This podcast summarizes the results of a rigorous evaluation of the evidence for physiotherapy interventions in spinal cord injury using the GRADE methodologyMuscle strengthening exercises are effective for partially paralyzed muscles with MRC Grade 3 and 4 strengthFurther evidence is required in the optimal management of severely paretic musclesSpeaker:  Dr. Joanne Glinsky is an Associate Professor of Allied Health (Sydney Local Health District/University of Sydney) and a Senior Research fellow at the John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation (Kolling Institute/University of Sydney). She has a strong interest in physiotherapy management of people with Spinal Cord Injury and has worked for over 25 years as a clinician, educator and researcher in this field. The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies.  You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn Contact us directly with any questions or comments at [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Rebuilding a sense of meaning and purpose following trauma is a vital contributor to post-traumatic growth and adapting well to a spinal cord injury (SCI). This webinar shared the co-design process undertaken to develop a course that uses the concept of post-traumatic growth to foster a stronger sense of meaning and purpose after SCI. It presented the course facilitators' reflections on running the program for the last five years, its successes and challenges. Case studies were also used to demonstrate the impact of the course on participants. The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies.  You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn Contact us directly with any questions or comments at [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Points: Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a common emergency condition that neurosurgeons and spine surgeons deal with.The long term consequences and the impact on the person dealing with CES are poorly defined.This podcast explores the impact of CES on the person, including pain and autonomic dysfunction, and management strategies which can be implemented by health care professionals.Nish's Affiliation: Nisaharan Srikandarajah is a Consultant Neurosurgeon specialising in complex spine at The Walton Centre and an Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at The University of Liverpool The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies.  You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn Contact us directly with any questions or comments at [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Helen Smith (Ms) Consultant Clinical Psychologist Joe Robinson, Group member and co-facilitator, freelance artist and co-author of "The Very Alternative Guide to Spinal Cord Injury" SCI is a rare condition, not well-understood outside specialist centres. Those who walk again are seen as "lucky" and not "disabled". In fact they have invisible disabilities, which take a heavy toll. Spending time with others with similar experiences, can help with their frustration and isolation. The literature has tended to focus on physical and surgical considerations, not lived experience. A group was created in 2010 at our SCI Centre, providing Peer Support and information (invited speakers). It has been evaluated with positive results, and not required significant resources. Members derive benfit from contributing as well as receiving. It was presented at SCI conferences, but so far has not been replicated, except for two recent versions in the voluntary sector. Not all ambuplegic people suit a group approach, but members report feeling better-informed to manage their unique challenges, better in mood, and supported by others who understand.  If you have any questions regarding this podcast, please contact Helen Smith at [email protected] The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies.  You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn Contact us directly with any questions or comments at [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Michael G. Fehlings discusses the future of stem cell therapies for spinal cord injury with Intissar Mohcine & Asma Belarbi, high-school students from the Netherlands.  Key points: 1) Stem cells are a promising therapeutic approach to repair the damaged spinal cord following injury. 2) Preclinical studies have shown exciting improvements in spinal cord structure and motor function. 3) A number of issues still need to be resolved before stem cell therapy can be successfully utilized in the clinical setting. The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies.  You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn Contact us directly with any questions or comments at [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail The podcast for World SCI Day 2025, themed “Fall Prevention, Spinal Cord Protection,” focuses on raising awareness about the critical issue of fall-related spinal cord injuries and how they can be prevented. Falls are one of the leading causes of SCI worldwide, especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and individuals in high-risk environments. Discussion was based around the key risk factors contributing to falls, including environmental hazards, physical health issues, and lack of safety measures. Practical solutions, such as home and workplace safety tips, the importance of protective gear, and lifestyle adjustments, were shared to help listeners reduce their risk. Additionally, the podcast explored the role of early intervention after a fall, advancements in SCI treatment, and the importance of rehabilitation. By raising awareness and sharing actionable advice, we aim to promote safer practices and protect spinal health globally. On behalf of the ISCoS Prevention Committee, I am happy to invite you all to listen to this special SCI Day 2025 podcast and be a part of the movement to raise awareness. Speakers (photos saved in Files) 1) Prof Belgin Erhan, MD Chair, ISCoS Prevention Committee Board Member, ISCoS Professor and Faculty at Istanbul Medeniyet University, School of Medici Head of the PMR Department at Istanbul Medeniyet University, School of Medicine President, National Neurotoxin Society 2) Yannis Dionyssiotis, MD, MSc., PhD Head of 2nd Medicine & Rehabilitation Department, National Rehabilitation Center (Ethniko Kentro Apokatastasis, EKA), Athens, Greece A/Prof. of PMR, Medical School, University of Patras, Greece The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies.  You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn Contact us directly with any questions or comments at [email protected]