title: Rehabilitation and treatment of spinal cord tumors.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Due to advances in acute oncological treatment, patients with spinal cord tumors exhibit improved survival. However, these patients have not received the full benefits of rehabilitation services to address their neurological deficits and rehabilitation goals.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the epidemiology and pathophysiology of spinal cord tumors, address methods of acute oncological management, review treatment for neurological sequelae, and understand the implications as they relate to rehabilitation.
  
  
  METHODS
  An extensive  literature review was performed regarding the epidemiology, pathophysiology, acute oncological management, neurological sequelae, and rehabilitation for patients with spinal cord tumors. Databases used included pubmed.gov and OVID, as well as individual journal and textbook articles.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Access to treatment should be increased given improved survival and functional deficits for patients with spinal cord tumors. Individuals can benefit from inpatient rehabilitation programs, in spite of increased medical co-morbidity and neurological deficits. Specific areas  of improvement include functionality, mood, quality of life, and survival. Adjustments to treatment plans must incorporate medical complications from cancer and its treatment, perceived quality of life, and prognosis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients with spinal cord tumors who participate  in rehabilitation programs show general improvement in function, mood, quality of life, and survival. Adaptations to care plans should be made to accommodate medical co-morbidities from cancer and its treatment, patient perceptions, and prognosis.
authors: Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Carolinas Rehabilitation, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA. vishwa.raj@carolinashealthcare.org
authors: Vishwa S
authors: VS
authors: Raj
authors: Latanya
authors: L
authors: Lofton
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis; D011788:Quality of Life; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013120:Spinal Cord Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000628:therapy