An update on spinal cord injuries in October 2005 earthquake in Pakistan

Two years have passed since the devastating earthquake of October 2005 in Pakistan, which left 73 000 dead and more than 126 000 injured. Amputations and spinal cord injury (SCI) were the two major long-term disabilities arising out of this tragedy.

We reported for the first time in medical literature, the epidemiology of SCI in a major disaster like earthquake,¹ which was unique and different form the pattern reported in literature before. Recently our team also presented the important highlights and shortcomings of SCI management and rehabilitation response in this earthquake.² They are summarized as follows:

• Highlights of evacuation efforts

  • ○ Absence of spinal trauma evacuation protocols

  • ○ Air evacuation of casualties

  • ○ Unique epidemiology of SCI

• ○ Shortcomings during initial treatment efforts

  • ○ Absence of SCI registry

  • ○ Lack of spinal units and rehabilitation specialists

  • ○ Inadequate and inaccurate assessment

  • ○ Psychological support

  • ○ Religious and spiritual support

• ○ Spinal rehabilitation issues

  • ○ SCI rehabilitation brought to forefront

  • ○ Establishment of spinal units

  • ○ International SCI assistance

• Issue with follow-up

  • ○ Inadequate patient education and counseling

  • ○ Inadequate monetary support distribution

  • ○ Lack of social and vocational rehabilitation services

Log in or create a free account to read this content

Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com

Access through your institution

or

Sign in or create an account

Continue with Google

Continue with ORCiD