Newly paralyzed

Following a spinal cord injury, navigating your way through information and advice can be overwhelming. Here you can find answers to frequently asked questions and learn about the free support we offer.

Quick Links

Frequently asked questions

>What is a complete vs incomplete injury?

Understand the terms commonly used to describe a spinal cord injury.

>What emergency procedures occur following an SCI?

Medical procedures that are used to control the damage to the spinal cord.

>How do I deal with depression and adjustment to my SCI?

Navigating your way through paralysis can be confusing and overwhelming.

>What are the secondary conditions?

It’s important to learn how to identify and manage complications of paralysis.

>I have no health insurance, what are my options?

If you're uninsured or underinsured there are still avenues to get health coverage.

>How can I apply for Social Security benefits?

An overview of Social Security programs for individuals living with disabilities.

>How do I find a rehabilitation facility?

Find out how to locate appropriate rehab resources near you.

>How can I locate funding for rehabilitation and equipment?

Financial assistance for rehabilitation and necessary medical equipment.

>What do I need to know about stem cell research?

Think about the potential in two ways: the here-and-now and the future.

>What is the clinical trials process?

Resources and advice if you are considering clinical trials.

Phone

Need to talk to someone?

Our information specialists are available to answer your questions. Call toll-free 1-800-539-7309 Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm ET.

Related topics

Sexual health >Sexual health

Answers to the big questions you may have around sexual function and fertility.

Depression >Depression

Depression can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.

Other ways we can help

Ask us anything

Send us your question
Have a question about paralysis? Our information specialists are available to help by phone or email.

Request a peer mentor

Talk with a mentor
Talk to someone who understands. Our certified mentors are people living with or impacted by paralysis.

Free services and downloads

Paralysis Resource Guide >Paralysis Resource Guide

Our free guide is an essential tool for everyone living with paralysis.

Wallet cards >Wallet cards

Get handy wallet cards with vital information that could save your life. Available for both adults and kids.

Lending library >Lending library

Our lending library has over 5,000 books, DVDs and magazines. Loans, including postage, are completely free.

SCI Research 101 >SCI Research 101

Don't Call It A Miracle: The Movement To Cure Spinal Cord Injury by Kate Willette covers research basics.

Over 180,000 copies of the Paralysis Resource Guide have been distributed

Resources in your area

Find resources and organizations that support people living with paralysis.

This project was supported, in part by grant number 90PR3002, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy.