Acute complications of spinal cord injuries

Ellen Merete Hagen*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal/Conference contribution in journal/Contribution to newspaperJournal articleResearchpeer-review

148 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to give an overview of acute complications of spinal cord injury (SCI). Along with motor and sensory deficits, instabilities of the cardiovascular, thermoregulatory and broncho-pulmonary system are common after a SCI. Disturbances of the urinary and gastrointestinal systems are typical as well as sexual dysfunction. Frequent complications of cervical and high thoracic SCI are neurogenic shock, bradyarrhythmias, hypotension, ectopic beats, abnormal temperature control and disturbance of sweating, vasodilatation and autonomic dysreflexia. Autonomic dysreflexia is an abrupt, uncontrolled sympathetic response, elicited by stimuli below the level of injury. The symptoms may be mild like skin rash or slight headache, but can cause severe hypertension, cerebral haemorrhage and death. All personnel caring for the patient should be able to recognize the symptoms and be able to intervene promptly. Disturbance of respiratory function are frequent in tetraplegia and a primary cause of both short and long-term morbidity and mortality is pulmonary complications. Due to physical inactivity and altered haemostasis, patients with SCI have a higher risk of venous thromboembolism and pressure ulcers. Spasticity and pain are frequent complications which need to be addressed. The psychological stress associated with SCI may lead to anxiety and depression. Knowledge of possible complications during the acute phase is important because they may be life threatening and/or may lead to prolonged rehabilitation.

Original languageEnglish
JournalWorld journal of orthopedics
Volume6
Issue1
Pages (from-to)17-23
Number of pages7
ISSN2218-5836
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015

Keywords

  • Autonomic dysreflexia
  • Bradycardia
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Orthostatic hypotension
  • Respiratory insufficiency
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Thromboembolism

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Acute complications of spinal cord injuries'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this