Prevention of secondary disabilities after brain injury and spinal cord injury: implications for future research.

Abstract

Over the past decade there has been increased emphasis upon prevention of disability. Although it is obvious that preventing a disability is the most desirable approach, disabilities will nonetheless occur. When they do, we must treat them and prevent additional disabilities from following the original ones. Indeed, this separation of disabilities has led to a clearer understanding of their prevention, namely primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention.