A wheelchair using neurosurgeon
BMJ 2007; 335 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/sbmj.0711410 (Published 01 November 2007) Cite this as: BMJ 2007;335:0711410
- Lukas A Holzer, medical student1
- 1Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
Why did you specialise in neurosurgery?
On the one hand it was my interest in organic neurology and on the other it's the precise hand work in this discipline. It's a good combination.
How did you injure your spinal cord?
It was a glider crash that caused my eighth thoracic vertebra to burst in 1996. The additional radius fracture and the open luxation of the tibiotalar joint healed well, as did the vertebral fracture. The injury to my spinal cord was irreversible, however.
How did it change your life?
Simple activities in daily life became more difficult. For someone with a spinal cord injury a single step on a staircase means the same as a wall or a closed door to a pedestrian. It's terrible, like falling into a deep hole. It's annoying that the ignorance of architects causes many barriers that could easily be avoided. Anyway it doesn't make sense to fall into self pity. I've just learnt to do what I'm able to do. And this is more than I originally expected. I'm still the same person.
How did you continue in your profession?
I wanted to get back into my job. I received lots of help from colleagues. I've been especially lucky to be treated by Dr Hassan-Weiser, who is a very engaged and experienced doctor who treats paraplegic patients. He brought me to a point that I couldn't have reached without his help. He organised rehabilitation so that I could …
Log in
Log in using your username and password
Log in through your institution
Subscribe from £184 *
Subscribe and get access to all BMJ articles, and much more.
* For online subscription
Access this article for 1 day for:
£50 / $60/ €56 (excludes VAT)
You can download a PDF version for your personal record.