Editorial

Leaving Las Vegas…!
Deanna Persaud, MSN, RN

President’s Message

Founding Leaders, Current Leaders, and Leaders of the Future: It’s Up to You!
Karen L. Klemme, RN, BSN, CRRN, CNLCP

Featured Articles

Biologic and Disease Modifying Agents in Multiple Sclerosis
Matthew R. Sorenson, PhD, RN

Radiculopathy, Myelopathy, and Peripheral Neuropathy: Can You Detect the Differences?
Angela Starkweather, PhD, ACNP, CCRN, CNRN

The Impact of Psychological and […]

Leaving Las Vegas……!

Deanna Persaud MSN, RN
The 23rd Annual SCI Conference of the American Association of Spinal Cord Injury Nurses this year in Las Vegas was bittersweet.
Since 1983, hundreds of our members have made the annual pilgrimage to Las Vegas following the Labor Day weekend where experts in the field of SCI nursing shared their […]

Founding Leaders, Current Leaders and Leaders of the Future:
It’s Up to You!
In April of 1983, eight nurses met with Vernice Ferguson, Deputy Director of Nursing at the Dept. of Veterans Affairs and Jim Peters, Executive Director of Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association, to discuss the possibility of starting an organization for VA nurses who cared for […]

Matthew R. Sorenson, PhD, RN
Abstract
As disability progresses, an individual with multiple sclerosis (MS) may have needs that are identical to those of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Nurses working in the SCI setting are likely to encounter those with MS and are involved in the management of medication therapies. The treatment of MS includes […]

Angela Starkweather, PhD, ACNP, CCRN, CNRN
Abstract
Radiculopathy, myelopathy, and peripheral neuropathy have many overlapping symptom descriptions and may be difficult to differentiate. Determining the subtle differences between these conditions is paramount as early detection and treatment may decrease progression of the physiological changes that cause symptoms. Treatment modalities differ substantially, highlighting the need for a […]

Angela R. Starkweather, PhD, ACNP, CCRN, CNRN; Linda Witek-Janusek, PhD, RN; Russ P. Nockels, MD; Jonna Petersen, MS; and Herb L. Mathews, PhD
Abstract
A lumbar herniated disc can cause extensive pain, psychological distress and decreased quality of life. Exposed nucleus pulposus is implicated as a source of increased interleukin-6 (IL-6) production, which is associated with […]

Remembering the Parent’s Perspective

Lisa Merenda, MSN, RN, CRRN
Introduction
Over the years, Pediatric Perspectives has had the opportunity to share how a patient’s life changes after spinal cord injury (SCI), particularly through the eyes of teenagers. I’ve found it remarkable to learn about the lives of my patients and how they have adapted and coped with […]

The Internet as a Research Tool

Matthew Sorenson PhD, RN
As SCI Nursing has moved to an online publication, it has provided an opportunity to reflect on other ways in which the World Wide Web can be of value. A cursory search of the Internet reveals a wealth of resources and information for professional education and personal […]

Computer Crimes: Looking out for “Spammers, Phishers and Key Loggers”

Jessie L. Dickerson, RN, MSN, CWON, CFCN
Introduction
The computer age is here to stay and everyone needs to keep abreast of the increasingly sophisticated technology and innovative research strategies that are occurring all around us. In the wake of these explosive technological developments between computers and the […]

Take Me to Your Inner Leader
Cathy R. Parsa, BSN, MA, CRRN, RN BC
Nursing should be, and could be, a profession of leaders. But we’re not quite there yet. Much of the reason lies with the individual nurse who fails to see his or her inner leader, and mistakenly believes that leaders are only the […]