Title: Efficacy of a Neurogenic Bowel Rehabilitation Program in Improving the Quality of Life in Persons with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Muhammed P A, Mohan Raj Manjalavil, Hemalata, Sreedevi Menon Parappil
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v7i3.49
Abstract
Introduction: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is defined as damage to the spinal cord that temporarily or permanently causes changes in its function. It causes sudden, often devastating damage to the central nervous system, with potential adverse effects in multiple body systems. A large majority of persons with SCI who have neurogenic bowel problems suffer from constipation and faecal incontinence, often resulting in impaired Quality of Life.
Aim of the study: To assess the efficacy of a neurogenic bowel rehabilitation program in reducing bowel dysfunction and improving the quality of life in patients with spinal cord injury.
Methods: Patients with SCI having neurological deficit of duration between 3 months to 3 years were included in this study. Initially patients were assessed to find out the severity of neurogenic bowel dysfunction and to assess the quality of life. After the assessment, patient was given standard bowel rehabilitation program. They are then reassessed at 3 months and 6 months.
Results: At the end of bowel rehabilitation program, there was considerable improvement in neurogenic bowel dysfunction and the Quality ofLife.
Conclusion: The bowel rehabilitation program was very effective in reducing the bowel dysfunction and improving the quality of life in SCI patients.
Keywords: Spinal Cord Injury, Neurogenic bowel dysfunction, Quality of Life.
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