Spinal Cord Injury

[Dashzap]

Anyone have any information on temperature control issues in those with spinal cord injuries?

Also I remember at the rehab hospital being told not to use sunscreen, as it increases the tendency to get heat stroke. Anyone else know about this?

Thanks.

 

[Mary976]

Not sure about the sunscreen issue, after all you want to avoid burning/skin cancer as well.

Anyway, the folks over on the Care Cure forum site my have some good advice for you...http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/index.php.

Mary

 

[SueM in MN]

I don't know why they would have said that, but my thought is that some people put on sunscreen and then stay out too long. They think they are protected from sun, so they dont worry.
I'd suggest asking your doctors about it.

Here is a link to page fom the Christopher Reeve Foundation about travel/preparing to be outside:
http://www.christopherreeve.org/sit...93/k.496A/How_to_Stay_Healthy_on_the_Road.htm

They do mention that sunscreen is important - a sunburn is the type of injury that could lead to autonomic dysreflexia.

To help minimize sunscreen, also look at clothing with SPF built in. Coolibar and Solumbra are 2 well known brands.

 

[BillSears]

I'm a complete T6 Para due to an SCI injury and I don't worry about overheating. I use sunscreen and I keep myself hydrated, that seems to keep everything fine while at WDW. I've even been there in July/August with no problems.

However this might be different for you depending on your injury level. I would think that a Quad would have more problems with heat. I cut off at the bottom of my ribcage so I can sweat from there up.

 

[Dashzap]

However this might be different for you depending on your injury level. I would think that a Quad would have more problems with heat. I cut off at the bottom of my ribcage so I can sweat from there up.

My teenaged son is incomplete at C4. He's got Brown Sequard Syndrome, so he is different on left and right sides of body -- mobility and sensation. The only place he sweats is on the left side of his face.

He walks and can do some stairs. Right hand isn't very useful.

Thanks for your info.

 

[cynzilla]

Hi. I have Syringomyelia and I am sorry I have never heard of the concerns on sunscreen before, but I will certainly look into it.

If you are looking for some great products to help him cool and not be soaking... ( the evaporation ones drive me NUTS) I have ordered vests and wrist/ankle bands from :
http://www.polarsoftice.com/koolmax.html
they have saved my life and from overheating as they use ice packs specially sized and shaped for each product. I hope this helps and blessings to you, your family and of course your son.

 

[Dashzap]

Hi. I have Syringomyelia and I am sorry I have never heard of the concerns on sunscreen before, but I will certainly look into it.

If you are looking for some great products to help him cool and not be soaking... ( the evaporation ones drive me NUTS) I have ordered vests and wrist/ankle bands from :
http://www.polarsoftice.com/koolmax.html
they have saved my life and from overheating as they use ice packs specially sized and shaped for each product. I hope this helps and blessings to you, your family and of course your son.

I hear ya on the evaporation. My son says water feels like needles. Also temperature is perceived differently on different sides of his body. Rain is unpleasant.

 

[Dashzap]

Here is a link to page fom the Christopher Reeve Foundation about travel/preparing to be outside:
http://www.christopherreeve.org/sit...93/k.496A/How_to_Stay_Healthy_on_the_Road.htm

Thanks for the link. The Christopher Reeves website is a bit difficult for me to navigate. And their forums...ouch.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks for the link. The Christopher Reeves website is a bit difficult for me to navigate. And their forums...ouch.

I've found the same thing.
They have lots of good information - IF you can find it.

 

[humancatapult4]

Hi for SCI questions I have found this board very usefull.apparelyzed.com

And yes it can depend on level of injury Mine is lower so not a problem