High cervical cord injury: medical, nursing and psychosocial aspects of rehabilitation.

Two patients with traumatic high cervical cord injury are described. Both patients required long-term ventilatory support. Diaphragmatic pacing has been successful in meeting their ventilatory requirements and improving their quality of life. Both patients are now living in their own homes. Their medical, nursing and psychosocial needs have been met by multi-disciplinary team involvement and their ongoing support in the community.