Rehabilitation of SCI in Lithuania Tomas Morkevicius Lithuanian Paraplegic Association Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Rehabilitation Clinic

Population of Lithuania: ~3.3 million Total area: km²

We have about 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, – 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.