Rehabilitation of SCI in Lithuania

Tomas MorkeviciusLithuanian Paraplegic Association

Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Rehabilitation Clinic

Population of Lithuania: ~3.3 million

Total area: 65 000 km²

• We have about 100-120 new cases of SCI every year.

• There are 3 rehabilitation centres for SCI:

- in Vilnius University Hospital,

- in Kaunas University Hospital,

- in Palanga Rehabilitation Hospital.

• Primary rehabilitation span depends on the level and severity of injury:– 100 days for all ASIA A,B,C injuries,– 24-70 days for ASIA D injuries.

• After the primary rehabilitation, if it is needed, rehabilitees can continue rehabilitation as out-patients up to 14 visits.

• The disabled after the primary rehabilitation, first three years after the injury can come every year to rehabilitation centre for repeated 24 day rehabilitation.

• In the fourth year after the injury and later, people can go every year to non specialized rehabilitation centers (19 places around the country) for 20 day “maintaining rehabilitation”.

• Tetraplegics with injuries at C5 and above, and tracheostoma or artificial pulmonary ventilation can get specialized help at home 3 days a week.

• There is not national registry of SCI in Lithuania.

• Also there is no organized life-long follow up of SCI.

• After the primary medical rehabilitation, people can go to professional rehabilitation centres.

• Important role in psychological and social rehabilitation is played by nongovernmental organizations, which organize classes for fresh survivors.

My personal opinion on SCI rehabilitation in Lithuania

• Strong side:– very good primary medical rehabilitation;– strong nongovernmental organizations, which

help to re-integrate the disabled into society.

• Shortcomings:– Absence of life-long medical follow up of SCI;– Absence of the SCI registry;– Insufficient professional rehabilitation;– Lack of coordination between hospital social

workers and the social workers caring for the disabled in the home setting.