Neuropsychological care for patients with spinal cord injuries: a way to comprehensive recovery

Background. An increase in spinal cord injuries due to military operations requires a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation, including interdisciplinary cooperation of specialists and the use of modern methods. The importance of the neuropsychological approach lies in analyzing the impact of stress on the physical state and ensuring a balance between mental and physical health of the patients. The purpose of the article is to study the significance and practical implementation of neuropsychological care for war victims, emphasizing its role in comprehensive recovery, and to identify effective rehabilitation strategies based on the understanding of neuropsychological consequences of spinal cord injuries, considering an interdisciplinary approach to the restoration of mental and physical health in relation to modern challenges of human life support. Materials and methods. The following psychodiagnostic methods have been used: “Change in quality of life” questionnaire, visual analogue scale for pain assessment, and MMPI-2 for evaluating psychological status. The dynamics was analyzed by the outpatient R. Waters index (0–3 points) and statistical methods (SPSS, version 22) for ensuring the reliability of the results. RCS, PCAT, CNC and PICUPS scales have been used to determine rehabilitation needs. The signs of injury were determined using medical diagnostic methods. Results. According to the findings, aggression on the MMPI-2 was at medium and high levels. Back pain and headaches are observed at a high level. A comprehensive approach to rehabilitation, namely physical rehabilitation and psychocorrection, helps significantly improve motor activity, reduce pain and improve the quality of life of patients with spinal cord injuries. Conclusions. The results of the study prove the effectiveness of an integrated approach, including physical rehabilitation and psychocorrection, for the recovery of patients with spinal cord injuries. A significant increase in the Hauser index (from 3.18 ± 0.13 to 4.9 ± 0.63 points) indicates the improvement in motor activity, which allows patients to move without assistance after 10–12 months of treatment. The authors emphasize the importance of coordinated treatment that not only relieves pain but also restores patients’ functional activity, significantly improving their quality of life.