Our Mission

BrainandSpinalcord.org's mission is to be the most reliable, timely and complete resource on the internet for brain injury and spinal cord injury survivors. Our hope is that this site will become relied upon as a trustworthy resource for the community and for those who are searching for information.

Video Library

The top 3 things brain injury patients need to know

The top 3 things spinal cord injury patients need to know

The first 3 steps a brain or spinal cord injury patient should take

Alyssa's moving story

Are you or a loved one feeling overwhelmed because of a recent spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury? Are you wondering where to turn for fast, reliable information? Brain and Spinal Cord.Org is here to help. Check out our extensive video library of important topics you need to understand when coping with spinal cord or brain injury. Our video library is updated regularly with videos on the latest developments in research and treatment options.

For a quick overview of the topic, check out our videos on the top three things brain injury patients need to know and the top three things spinal cord injury patients need to know. These short (four minute average), concise videos will give you basic vital information as you begin the journey of healing from your brain or spinal cord injury.

Ready to be proactive on your journey back to health, but unsure where to start? Have a look at our video on the first three steps a brain or spinal cord injury patient should take.

Want to understand how another patient and their family has coped with their injury? Check out little Alyssa’s moving story.

Treatment Options

Not so many decades ago, there were virtually no real cures for brain or spinal cord injury. Until recent medical improvements, many patients died. Today, research is constantly offering new hope to sufferers of brain and spinal cord injuries.

Science’s understanding of how the brain functions and how the natural healing process can allow a healthy area of the brain learn to compensate for a damaged part is constantly growing. Physical therapists and rehabilitation doctors are using this information to devise new strategies for neurorehabilitation. For more information on neurorehabilitation and other treatment options for brain injury, check out our brain injury treatment page.

Support groups can provide wonderful emotional support to you and your family as you work through the challenging process of recovery. For additional information on coping with brain injury and benefiting from support groups, check out our section on brain injury support groups.

Modern technology is providing a boost to physical rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury. Today functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS) is helping patients with little movement strengthen their muscles and possibly regain function; this amazing technology works by stimulating intact peripheral nerves via electrodes attached to the skin so that the paralyzed muscles can contract. FNS can allow paralyzed spinal cord injury patients to ride a stationary bike and in some cases walk for short distances with a walker. Other recent treatment options include methods to minimize damage from the initial injury, including improved knowledge of the optimal time for surgical intervention. For thorough coverage of spinal cord injury treatment options have a look at our spinal cord injury treatment page.

Finding a Rehabilitation Facility

When you have experienced a spinal cord or brain injury, finding the best rehabilitation center to serve your unique individual needs is crucial. You need a facility with doctors and support staff that are specifically trained to deal with your type of injury and experienced in helping people with your condition regain strength and function. For more information have a look at our video on picking a quality rehabilitation facility.

Brain and Spinal Cord Injury.Org offers a directory of the top rehabilitation centers in the country. Centers are listed by state. Click on the rehabilitation directory link to the left of your screen and it will open to a list of states; click on your state to see detailed information on quality centers in your area. We also have a video report on the to top ten rehab hospitals in the U.S.

Funding Rehabilitation

When you or a loved one has experienced a brain or spinal cord injury, you may also be overwhelmed by the thought of the financial burden proper treatment will place on you and your family. All too many people find themselves with no health insurance in a time of great need. Knowing all your financial options can help you get the help you deserve. Government programs like Medicaid and Medicare can help disabled patients, but you need to understand them to get the best benefits; have a look at our video on Medicaid and Medicare eligibility requirements. A special needs trust can help some people qualify for Medicaid if their income is otherwise too high.

State rehabilitation departments provide help to partially or completely disabled individuals. Federal aid for the completely disabled is available through the Social Security disability program. See our benefit page for more information on state and federal disability benefits.

The cost of medical care for a spinal cord or brain injury can be overwhelming. In addition, there is often a loss of wages to take into account. Fortunately, many people with private health insurance can also qualify for government help. In this helpful video, Jason Lazarus, a financial planner, explains how you may qualify.

If your brain or spinal cord injury was due to the criminal act or negligence of someone else you are entitled to financial compensation. Brain and Spinal Cord Injury.Org can help you find a qualified lawyer to pursue your legal case. If you have suffered a spinal cord injury our spinal cord injury legal advice page offers advice specific to your situation. If you have suffered a brain injury, take a look at our brain injury legal advice page.

Blog / News

Brain and Spinal Cord.Org’s blog is a great way to keep up with the latest information on brain and spinal cord injuries. Whether it is new promising research, the latest treatment options, or new legislation that will help injured patients receive appropriate medical care and financial compensation, we cover it all. Recent stories include an article on Cure Together, a new online research center where patients with any medical condition can share insights of treatments that have helped them and find out new information, as well as an article on honoring our wounded troops suffering from brain and spinal cord injuries. We invite you to have a look at our blog today.