In article <3gp07k$39h at amethyst.math.arizona.edu>, sbg at math.arizona.edu
(Simone Borghesi) wrote:
> This summer, one of my very best friends had an accident
> as much stupid in its dynamic as incredibly bad in its
> consequences; he had the third cervical "exploded" and
> actually is thetraplegic (totally paralized below the neck).
>> Now I am trying to figure out, using every mean, which are
> the best Neuro-Medical center in US (or also abroad), that
> could, eventually, take care of him with both diagnosis and
> reeducation.
>> Thanks in advance for having read my mail.
>>> Simone
>> Simone Borghesi
> Department of Mathematics
> University of Arizona, Tucson AZ 85721
> Office phone:602 621 1771
> Fax: 602 621 8322
> email: sbg at math.arizona.edu
If your friend is in Tucson with you (and even if not), he could consider
the team at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix. I spent some years
doing research with the neurosurgical team there. Robert Spetzler, M.D.,
F.A.C.S., Joseph Zabramski, M.D. and the others at Barrow are the best in
the world. I have seen them perform neurosurgical procedures that no one
would have thought possible. I recall a 13 year old boy in 1989 I believe
who was hit and drug by a truck. He suffered complete separation of the
vertebrae from the skull...the only real thing holding things together was
his skin and cord. Within a year, he was playing baseball. The
Neuro-rehab unit is first rate also. The neurosurgeons have joint
appointments at the U of A Med School.
It is always easier financially and logistically if possible to get
treatment near where you live. The problems your friend has are not
necessarily uncommon ones...most neurosurgical and rehab facilities can
deal with them; however, the likelihood of reversing paralysis due to a C3
problem
may not be great. Despite our advances in medicine, there are some things
not yet correctable. Although trying novel approaches is certainly the
way discoveries are made, there is a limit. Your friend should understand
his limits and don't let a search for a cure for paralysis be all consuming.
His mental well being is more important in the long run than whether he can
regain function below the neck. Our brain separates us from the other animals.
The rest of us is a very bad design. Continue to be his friend by encouraging
him to use his to its fullest while pursuing a cure in moderation.
Good luck.
Stephen Hall
Executive Committe
Purdue University Neuroscience Program
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN 47907-1392
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