Areas of Care

Neurospinal Service

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Overview

The Neurospinal Service at The Ottawa Hospital provides rehabilitation for adults with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions. 

Our goal is to help each person reach their best possible level of independence. We work with patients and families to support a safe return to home or community life whenever possible.

Illustration of interconnected neurons transmitting signals, representing the nervous system.

Who we serve

We care for adults 18 years and older who live in Eastern Ontario or Western Quebec, or who do not have access to therapy in their area. The service also supports patients from Baffin Island through The Ottawa Hospital Services Network Inc.

Patients usually have one of the following conditions: 

Spinal cord injury

  • Quadriplegia (complete or incomplete).
  • Paraplegia (complete or incomplete).
  • Central cord syndrome.
  • Cauda equina syndrome.
  • Spinal tumours or meningiomas.
  • Conus medullaris syndrome.
  • Brown-Séquard syndrome.
  • Spina bifida.

Neurological conditions

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • Guillain-Barré syndrome.
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or motor neuron disease.

Services

We offer inpatient, outpatient and community-based services to meet different levels of need.

Inpatient services

Inpatient rehabilitation is focused on patient goals. We support people who need intensive therapy due to one or more of the following:

  • A recent injury.
  • A flare-up of an existing condition.
  • Significant physical deconditioning.
  • Decreased mobility.
  • Difficulty managing safely at home.
  • An unsafe or inaccessible home environment.
  • Complex psychosocial needs.
  • Limited community support.
  • Equipment needs.

Some patients will recover enough to return home. For patients with more severe impairments, the focus is on education and strategies to support independence and community reintegration. Length of stay varies based on each person’s condition and needs. 

Outpatient services

Outpatient care helps patients continue working toward their goals after discharge or while living in the community.

Some patients may continue with outpatient therapy to complete rehabilitation goals that began during their inpatient stay. 

Specialized clinics, such as the Seating Clinic and the ALS Clinic, serve patients with spinal cord injuries or multiple sclerosis. Patients are assessed by a physiatrist and nurse clinician, with referrals to other team members as needed.

A nurse practitioner provides consultation to people living in the community. Patients can access this support through The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre or the Pinecrest-Queensway Health and Community Centre. 

Team members work with families and community health providers to support safe living at home. This may include connection with:

  • Community Care Access Centre (CCAC).
  • Centre local des services communautaires (CLSC).
  • Funding agencies.
  • Private facilities or nursing homes.
  • Independent Living Centre.
  • Multiple Sclerosis Society.
  • Canadian Paraplegic Association.
  • VHA Health and Home Support.

Other unique services

These may be assessed by a respirologist and respiratory therapist for non-invasive airway management and ventilation support.

These sessions cover topics such as skin care, community resources and peer support. 

This program connects patients with others who have lived experience with similar injuries or conditions.

A multidisciplinary committee reviews research to improve care for patients with multiple sclerosis.

Team

Our care team works together to support each patient’s goals. Depending on your needs, your team may include:

  • Family physicians.
  • Physiatrists.
  • Rehabilitation nurses.
  • Occupational therapists.
  • Physical therapists.
  • Speech language pathologists.
  • Social workers.
  • Psychologists or neuropsychologists.
  • Recreation therapists.
  • Clinical dietitians.
  • Pharmacist.
  • Respiratory therapists.
  • Orthotists.
  • Rehabilitation engineers.
  • Vocational rehabilitation counsellors.
  • Spiritual care practitioners.
  • Ward clerk.

Family involvement

Families and caregivers play an important role in rehabilitation. They are encouraged to share input and take part in planning.

Families can also get involved in the following ways: 

Family conferences

A family conference is usually held within the first four weeks of admission to review goals, progress, equipment needs and plans for discharge. A discharge conference may be arranged if needed. 

Family day 

Families may be invited to spend time on the unit to ask questions, observe therapy sessions and learn about daily routines, techniques and goals. This helps prepare for the patient’s return home. 

Family education sessions

Education sessions are offered to help families of inpatients learn more about rehabilitation and how to support their loved one.

Referrals

All patients need to be referred by an acute care physician or family physician. A physiatrist will complete an assessment in the clinic or acute care hospital to identify rehabilitation needs.