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Dr. Cristina Mercedes Brea, MD is a pediatric physiatrist in Chicago, IL specializing in pediatric rehabilitation medicine. She graduated from UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School in 2018 and has 8 years of experience. Dr. Cristina Mercedes Brea, MD is affiliated with Northwestern Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, The University of Chicago Medicine and MEDICAL SERVICES RIC.
The University of Chicago Medicine
Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injury medicine is a branch of medicine that treats damage to the spinal cord from an injury or a nontraumatic myelopathy, which is any disorder that affects the spinal area. The spinal cord is a section of nerve tissue protected by the vertebrae (spinal bones). Trauma to the spinal cord, typically caused by compression or bent vertebrae, prevents the body and brain from communicating. This can result in pain, loss of sensation, and impaired physical function and movement. Acute spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are a leading cause of permanent disability. Spinal cord injuries may develop from accidents or myelopathies, disorders that provoke spinal compression. Traumatic incidents such as falls, sports injuries, vehicle accidents, and bullet or stab wounds can cause an acute spinal cord injury.
Spinal cord injury medicine seeks to stabilize the spine and to alleviate the symptoms of spine damage. Practitioners of spinal cord injury medicine are called spinal cord injury specialists. Spinal cord injury medicine is an interdisciplinary field, meaning physicians of various specialties may be trained to treat spinal cord injuries.
Damage to the spinal cord may initially be diagnosed through X-ray, MRI, or CT scans. Patients can also undergo spinal exams to evaluate their sensory ability and strength. Injuries to the spinal cord can be complete (no feeling or sensation) or incomplete (some feeling or sensation remains). Conditions spinal cord injury medicine specialists may treat include:
Treatment for spinal cord injuries often involves surgery, either directly after an injury occurs or at a later date. Surgery for spine injuries is intended to ease spinal compression and stabilize the spine. Surgical procedures can involve shifting vertebrae, removing bone, or altering spinal placement with implantable devices. Patients with significant spinal trauma may require urgent surgical intervention.
Surgical treatments can be complemented by rehabilitative physical therapy to improve mobility. Spinal cord injury specialists also treat complications arising from a spinal injury, such as respiratory or bladder conditions. Some patients with spinal cord injuries may require lifelong treatment. Spinal cord injury specialists aim to help these patients successfully adjust and lead an improved quality of life. An emerging treatment for spinal cord injuries is neural prosthetics, which replicate patients' lost nerve function. Neural prostheses may be used as artificial body parts or assistive devices that patients may cognitively control. Other assistive devices include wheelchairs and scooters.
Spinal cord injury specialists may collaborate with physical therapists, radiologists, neurologists, urologists, and orthopedists.
Dr. Cristina Mercedes Brea, MD graduated from UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School in 2018. She completed residency at Jackson Memorial Medical Center. She is certified by the Board Certification: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and has a state license in Illinois.
Medical School: UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School (2018)
Residency: Jackson Memorial Medical Center (2022)
Board Certification: Board Certification: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Licensed In: Illinois
Dr. Cristina Mercedes Brea, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Cristina Mercedes Brea, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Aetna PPO, CIGNA PPO, CIGNA POS, CIGNA HMO, MultiPlan PPO, Medicare Advantage, Aetna POS, Medicare, Humana, PHCS PPO, Aetna Medicare PPO, United W500 Emergent Wrap, Aetna Better Health *see insurance page, United Options (PPO), CountyCare *see insurance page, BCBS HMO (HMOI) (specialists only), United Select (HMO & EPO) (specialists only), University of Chicago Health Plan (UCHP), United Choice HMO (specialists only), BCBS Blue Precision HMO (specialists only), Aetna HMO (specialists only) and United Choice Plus POS/PPO.
According to our sources, Dr. Cristina Mercedes Brea, MD accepts the following insurance providers:
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These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Cristina Mercedes Brea, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
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$15,000
ACTIVA PC $15,000 |
| $15,000 |
Dr. Cristina Brea works as a pediatric rehabilitation medicine. Her clinical interests include spinal cord injury, neuromuscular disorders (nerve & muscle diseases), and spasticity. Her hospital/clinic affiliations include Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and The University of Chicago Medicine. Dr. Brea is an in-network provider for several insurance carriers, including Blue California, Aetna, and CIGNA Plans. Before completing her residency at Jackson Memorial Medical Center, Dr. Brea attended medical school at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School. She is conversant in Spanish.
