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Why are people with paralysis especially prone to pressure sores? - Mary Zeigler, MS

Why are people with paralysis especially prone to pressure sores?

Mary Zeigler, MS

Clinical Nurse Specialist, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

Read Bio More Videos by Mary Zeigler
Transcript
Because they’ve lost the input from the brain going down the spinal cord to tell them they’re feeling something.  They’ve lost the ability to move.  For example, when you sit in a chair and your legs are crossed, when your legs get tired or w... Show More

Because they’ve lost the input from the brain going down the spinal cord to tell them they’re feeling something.  They’ve lost the ability to move.  For example, when you sit in a chair and your legs are crossed, when your legs get tired or when the skin underneath the leg on top of the bottom leg is getting a little sore, you know, your brain tells you, “I’m going to shift; I’m going to uncross my legs.”  The spinal-cord patient doesn’t get that input and doesn’t have that ability to make that adjustment, or the relief from pressure.  

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Why are people with paralysis especially prone to pressure sores?

Mary Zeigler, MS

Clinical Nurse Specialist, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

More Videos by Mary Zeigler
Transcriptadd

Because they’ve lost the input from the brain going down the spinal cord to tell them they’re feeling something.  They’ve lost the ability to move.  For example, when you sit in a chair and your legs are crossed, when your legs get tired or when the skin underneath the leg on top of the bottom leg is getting a little sore, you know, your brain tells you, “I’m going to shift; I’m going to uncross my legs.”  The spinal-cord patient doesn’t get that input and doesn’t have that ability to make that adjustment, or the relief from pressure.  

Why are people with paralysis especially prone to pressure sores?
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