Mobility and equipment for the ventilator-dependent tetraplegic.
The opportunity to realistically equip the ventilator-dependent tetraplegic to return to his community can be met by a concerned team in specialised spinal cord injury centres. Proper equipment, independent electric wheelchair mobility and family training, encourages acceptance of the ventilator-dependent quadriplegic and increases his life-style options. Ideally, the initial 6-month medical management and rehabilitation programme is followed by periodic re-evaluations for medical follow-up, equipment changes and functional upgrading. The medical community must continue to respond to the challenge to offer adequate living facilities and financial resources for equipment and programme development.
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008124:Locomotion; D008297:Male; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D012656:Self-Help Devices; D014910:Wheelchairs