There are approximately 18,000 new cases of spinal cord injury (SCI) in the United States each year. An estimated 302,000 people live with spinal cord injury in the United States.
Secondary complications are common, and most people with spinal cord injury experience acute or chronic complications.
Understanding Secondary Complications of Spinal Cord Injuries
Medical complications are additional symptoms, conditions, or harm that result from an underlying injury. Complications may be a worse outcome or poor result. They may arise from the medical condition itself or treatment for the condition.
Complications from spinal cord injury may be acute or chronic. Immediate complications like respiratory distress may be life-threatening.
Spinal cord injury complications are a measure of the severity of the underlying injury and are significant ways that a person is affected by their injuries. Secondary complications may be included in valuing a claim for compensation.
Common Secondary Complications
Common secondary complications of spinal cord injury include the following:
- Respiratory distress
- Heart disease, cardiac rhythm irregularities
- Neurogenic shock (difficulty keeping body functions like heart rate and blood pressure operating)
- Poor temperature regulation
- Excessive sweating
- Respiratory failure, pneumonia, atelectasis (collapsed lung or obstruction)
- Trouble swallowing
- Pressure sores
- Blood clots
- Heterotopic ossification (bone growth in muscles or other soft tissue)
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Poor muscle tone, muscle spasms
- Pain, inflammation
- Metabolic disruptions, leading to deterioration of joints and ligaments
- Kidney failure
- Sexual dysfunction
- Anxiety and depression
- Infection
Potential secondary complications of spinal cord injury are significant. They impact a variety of bodily functions and systems, including autonomous bodily processes, physical strength, and mental health. Complications may be fatal.
Respiratory Issues and Spinal Cord Injuries
Respiratory issues from spinal cord injury may have multiple underlying causes. Spinal cord injury may disrupt the autonomous function of the respiratory system. In addition, a person may have problems clearing mucus because of poor muscle strength. Pneumonia may develop.
One study says that 67% of people with acute spinal cord injury have respiratory complications.
Spinal cord injury may impair normal respiration. Multiple systems, including the nervous system, muscles, musculoskeletal system, and internal organs, must coordinate for normal breathing to occur. SCI can affect the control of these systems, causing various degrees of impairment.
A person may experience shallow or slow breathing and may fail to produce enough air. The person may experience disordered breathing during sleep or pulmonary embolism. Respiratory failure may occur.
Mechanical ventilation may be required. Mechanical assistance may be provided at varying levels depending on need. A person may benefit from assistance with posture and positioning and should be monitored for function.
A tracheostomy may be appropriate, and monitoring must continue during decannulation (removal of the tracheotomy tube). Interventions can address secretions, including draining and suctioning.
Managing Skin Breakdown and Pressure Sores
A person with spinal cord injury may experience changes in their daily routine and may spend significant time sitting or lying down. They may need help to change positions. Pressure on the skin can lead to atopic dermatitis and pressure sores.
The skin serves multiple functions in the body. It is a barrier to prevent harmful things from entering. In addition, the skin can sense what it is touching and communicate with the brain. The skin perceives the outside world, whether it is cold or hot, dull or soft, painful or comfortable.
SCI may make a person susceptible to pressure sores and breakdown of the skin. Broken skin may be ineffective in preventing bacteria, viruses, and fungi from entering the body. A person may be less able to detect extreme temperatures, such as touching a hot or cold surface. They may suffer from skin infections at higher rates.
Poor blood flow may also be a reason for skin breakdown. Nutrition may be especially important to promote healthy skin.
Bowel and Bladder Control Challenges in Spinal Injury Patients
Bowel and bladder complications in spinal cord injury patients present various symptoms. A person may be less able to move waste through the colon or have difficulty passing stool. They also may have incontinence or experience pain.
Spinal cord injury may affect muscles used by the excretory system. Nerve damage may impair communication between the brain and bladder.
Challenges with bowel and bladder control may lead to not wanting to leave the house or interact with others. A person may develop heartburn, gas pain, hemorrhoids, and nausea because of bowel and bladder control issues.
Diet, fluids, and medications can help.
Preventing Infections and Other Complications
People with spinal cord injury have an increased risk of infection. There are a variety of infections that a person may develop, including urinary, pneumonia, and blood, bone, and skin infections.
Infection is a significant risk in both a community setting and when receiving healthcare. A person is especially at risk due to things like the inability to clear secretions from the airways and pressure sores.
Infection is a leading cause of mortality in people with spinal cord injury. In addition, infection leads to high rates of rehospitalization.
There are medical interventions that may help, including draining secretions, ventilation support, and frequent repositioning to minimize pressure sores.
Treatment Options for Secondary Complications of Spinal Cord Injuries
Treatment for secondary complications of spinal cord injury begins with prevention. The wide variety of complications from spinal cord injury are known. A care plan should include medication, physical activity to the extent possible, therapy, and assistive devices. A person should be monitored for signs of problems.
Specific care depends on the nature of the complication. For example, a urinary tract infection may be treated with hydration and antibiotics.
Overall health and physical activity should be addressed. Weight management may be an important part of a wellness plan. Physical therapy to maximize muscle strength will likely be a priority.
Contact an Experienced Jacksonville Personal Injury Lawyer
Have you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury? Complications are an ongoing concern.
The severity of a spinal cord injury should be acknowledged in compensation.
An experienced Jacksonville personal injury lawyer can represent your interests. Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys is currently taking new cases. Please contact us.
