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Northeast Ohio Regional Spinal Cord Injury Model System – MetroHealth/Case Western Reserve, Cleveland, OH

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Fourteen hospitals across the United States have been identified by the National Institute on Disability Rehabilitation and Research (NIDRR) as Spinal Cord Injury Model System Hospitals. Each of these provides an excellent “system of care” that incorporates the latest findings of research and education in spinal cord injury treatment and recovery, including rehabilitation.

Spinal Cord Injury Model System Hospitals are actively involved in cutting-edge research to develop innovative treatment and evaluate service delivery for comprehensive spinal cord injury medical care.  Innovations from Model System hospitals range from discovering new clinical interventions and methods of treatment, new pharmaceutical interventions, experimental interventions, such as stem cell implantation and electrical stimulation, to developing assistive technology, such as voice- recognition and other computer adaptations, manual and electric wheelchairs designed to reduce contractures and minimize pressure sores, use of robotics such as exoskeleton mobility devices, artificial intelligence to enhance communication, and other products that promote independence and enhance quality of life. 

Model System Hospitals also conduct a variety of clinical trials and interventional clinical studies to test the use of new drugs, medical devices, clinical procedures, and other activities to improve functionality and daily living for individuals with spinal cord injuries. Activities at the Model System Hospitals are listed below, as well as information on how to be part of a spinal cord clinical study registry so you can stay apprised of new studies and research findings. Learn more about the eligibility criteria for clinical trial participants. 

Northeast Ohio Regional Spinal Cord Injury Model System – MetroHealth/Case Western Reserve, Cleveland, OH

The  MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute of Ohio, a national leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation services recognized for restoring wellness after disabling disease or injury. As part of The MetroHealth System, it draws on the patient care, research, and educational resources of one of the region’s major healthcare institutions. It is a partner with the internationally acclaimed Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Center in collaboration with Case Western Reserve University, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center and University Hospitals. This consortium continually researches the use of new technologies and innovative engineering to restore movement in paralyzed limbs to improve function and gain independence. 

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