Any serious injury to the spinal cord will set up a roadblock that effectively disrupts the body’s ability to pass vital physiological signals to the brain. This disconnect will frequently lead to physical problems beyond the merely obvious. Here are some of the lesser-known complications that often result from spinal cord injury.
Neurogenic Shock
A lack of guidance from the brain often leads to arrhythmias that cause the patient’s heart to either beat too slowly or race too fast. The same transmission failure can also provoke orthostatic hypotension due to a failure of the blood vessels to constrict properly. When the two conditions occur simultaneously, the patient can go into neurogenic shock with concomitant organ dysfunction and the danger of death.
Disturbances in Temperature Control
The regulation of body temperature also depends on accurate message conveyance to the brain. Any interruption will prevent the internal thermostat from keeping the body comfortable. This situation can cause a rapid shift between requests for extra blankets and appeals to turn down the heat.
Autonomic Hyperreflexia
A patient with a spinal cord injury at T6 or higher is the most at risk for this condition. Also known as hyperdysreflexia or autonomic dysreflexia, it normally occurs when stimulation evokes overreaction from an out-of-control autonomic nervous system. Its first appearance normally follows the initial phase of spinal shock and can recur at various times throughout the patient’s life. Without immediate attention, the situation can quickly escalate, leading to seizures, heart attack, stroke or even death.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Any prolonged lack of movement can lead to the development of blood clots. Known as deep vein thrombosis or DVT, its prevention will require the stringent use of compression devices, elastic stockings or foot pumps. Regular exercise, frequent repositioning and the administration of blood-thinning medications can also help. Difficulty Swallowing Patients who suffer an injury to the higher cervical region can find it difficult to eat or drink. Until they have regained some measure of control, these individuals will have to ingest their nutrients and oral medication through feeding tubes.
Alterations in Bowel Function
Immediately following spinal injury, many patients experience a loss of bowel control that results in diarrhea or constipation. Resolution may require the use of special diet, medication and even digital stimulation. As time passes, training programs will frequently prove successful.
Loss of Bladder Control
Spinal injury patients offer find themselves unable to detect a full bladder. Spinal shock in particular will cause a loss of bladder tone. While catheterization can assist in the earliest stages, an eventual training regimen can prove beneficial. Medications or surgery may also be necessary.
Muscle and Tendon Problems
After the initial spinal shock has disappeared, spasticity often sets in, leading to pain, contractures and eventual shortening of the muscles and tendons. Treatments include frequent repositioning and the administration of such medications as Baclofen and Botox.
Calcium Deposits in Bones and Joints
The human body is designed for movement. Any prolonged lack of it can lead to heterotopic ossification, a condition in which calcium leaves the bones and forms deposits in the tendons, joints and muscles. This can lead to pain and spasms in the shoulders, hips, knees and elbows.
Pneumonia
Of the serious breathing problems that often follow spinal cord injury, pneumonia can be the most deadly. Since it often occurs as an unfortunate consequence of intubation, it is vital to remain alert to signs of its development, clearing secretions from the patient’s airways on a regular basis and being prepared to administer antibiotics immediately if symptoms appear.
Life After Spinal Cord Damage
No two spinal cord injuries are exactly alike, and the incidence of extraneous effects will vary from one person to another. A watchful eye and stringent rehabilitation program will play an essential role in keeping these corollary issues under control.
