Spinal Cord Society of Australia

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is a sudden and unexpected injury that is devastating physically and psychologically. Its consequences are costly both in human and social terms. In 2005, new injuries have increased the total world population of people living with spinal cord injury induced paralysis to over 2.5 million. Spinal cord injury affects about 12,000 Australians, with between 300-400 new cases each year.

SCI causes extraordinary hardship and disability to the victim and their families. With an average age of twenty five at the time of injury, the impact is that much greater in terms of life-long care and loss of productivity.

The economic impact to the community, measured in long-term cost of care and the cost of social welfare support, is hard to know. Reliable reports have estimated the direct cost in Australia at around $AUS1 billion each year. To put this into context, SCI in Australia accounts for about 2% of total health expenditure, compared to all cancers which account for 5.8% of total health expenditure. Its substantial impact on the health budget is, for many observers, a revelation.

A more detailed study of spinal cord injury statistics in the USA and Australia can be found in the following publications:

Spinal Cord Injury Australia Facts

Spinal Cord Injury Australia 2006

Spinal Cord Injury Australia Facts 2003-2004