Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are typically caused by physical trauma that fractures, crushes, or dislodges one or more vertebrae, causing the spinal cord to be torn or severed. Spinal cord injuries most commonly results from falls, sports accidents, automobile accidents, or physical violence. Some cases of less-severe spinal cord injuries, referred to as incomplete injuries, don’t cut through the actual spinal cord. Rather, they cause damage when pieces of vertebrae tear into the cord or press on the peripheral nerves that carry signals from the spinal cord to the body. Depending on the level of the injury, certain long-term health issues or complications are common. With the preparation and proper medical care, these health complications can be managed.
10 Common Health Complications of Spinal Cord Injury
- Bowel control: The stomach and intestines may work much like they did before the injury, but control of bowel movements is often altered or lost. A high-fiber diet can help to regulate bowel movement.
- Blood clots: Clotting can be of particular concern for spinal cord injury patients, as immobility reduces blood flow through the veins. Patients are commonly prescribed medications to prevent clotting. When a patient has been sitting or lying in the same position for a long time, pressure on the skin may also cause the tissue to deteriorate resulting in pressure sores (also called bedsores). If feeling has been lost in certain parts of the body, the patient may not even be aware of these sores. Caregivers should help to check for sores periodically.
- Pneumonia / Asthma: Both are common long-term health issues because muscles associated with breathing are often weakened, especially in cases of high-level (thoracic) injury. Breathing assistance may be necessary if the nerves to the diaphragm are damaged. Medications may be used to regulate breathing issues and patients are encouraged to get an annual flu shot.
- Autonomic Dysreflexia: This condition occurs when a stimulus (e.g., blocked catheter, skin irritation) below the injury site triggers a message to the brain that cannot be received normally. This effect produces a reflex that constricts blood vessels and results in a reduced heart rate and high blood pressure. Autonomic dysreflexia increases the risk for stroke and in rare cases, seizures. Sometimes this condition can be resolved if the patient changes position or the stimulus is mitigated.
- Incontinence: The bladder will continue to store urine from the SCI patient’s kidneys, but the brain may not be able to control the bladder because the spinal cord injured. Changes in bladder control increase the risk of urinary tract infections. Drinking plenty of clear fluids and staying hydrated can help with urinary tract health.
- Circulation Issues: Spinal cord injuries can result in circulatory problems ranging from low blood pressure when sitting up (orthostatic hypotension) to swelling of the extremities. Another problem with circulatory control is a potentially life-threatening rise in blood pressure (called autonomic hyperreflexia). Rehabilitation teams can teach spinal cord injury patients how to monitor and manage these issues.
- Respiratory System Complications: Breathing and coughing functions can be impaired if the abdominal and chest muscles are affected by the injury. This includes the diaphragm and the muscles in the chest wall and abdomen. The neurological level of injury will determine what kind of breathing problems the patient may encounter. Medications and therapy can help treat these problems.
- Muscle tone: Patients with spinal cord injuries might experience one of two common types of muscle tone issues: uncontrolled tightening or motion in the muscles (spasticity) or soft and limp muscles, lacking muscle tone (flaccidity).
- Fitness and wellness: Weight loss and muscular atrophy are common after most spinal cord injuries. Limited mobility may lead to a more sedentary lifestyle, placing the patient at risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Dieticians and physical therapists can help with appropriate treatment plans for fitness.
- Sexual health: Sexuality, fertility and sexual function is often affected after a spinal cord injury Men may notice changes in erection and ejaculation and women may notice changes in lubrication. Most women with a spinal cord injury can experience labor, have a normal delivery and breast-feed.
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