Follow-up of paraplegic patients after comprehensive rehabilitation

One hundred patients from a total of 239 paraplegic patients were surveyed after at least 6 months in community life in order to assess the value of the rehabilitation programme. The patients' average age was 24 years, and the highest neurological level being T1. All patients had received intensive care, the average time being 4.7 months. The results were similar to those described in the literature, but the lower socio-economic levels and the absence of comprehensive initial care in general hospitals soon after trauma were negative factors. It is concluded that (1) Brazil requires medical and paramedical staff with specific training for the acute phase in more Rehabilitation Centres; (2) that paraplegics are greatly benefited by a rehabilitation programme; (3) the Brazilian Social Security should sponsor the rehabilitation programme.