What are the common complications of spinal cord injuries that I should monitor for in my patients?

When monitoring patients with spinal cord injuries, several common complications should be considered ¹. These include:

• Skin and Pressure Issues: Patients are at risk of developing pressure sores, requiring regular assessment of skin and pressure care ¹.
• Autonomic Dysfunction: Be aware of the risk of autonomic dysreflexia, which is a medical emergency, and orthostatic hypotension, which is common and can affect rehabilitation ¹.
• Respiratory and Swallowing Difficulties: Patients, especially those with cervical spine injuries, are at risk of swallowing and speech difficulties, aspiration, and other chest complications like aspiration pneumonia ¹.
• Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction: Spinal cord injury can affect bladder function, potentially leading to acute kidney injury or renal tract stones, and bowel function, including neurogenic bowel stasis ¹.
• Musculoskeletal Complications: Spasticity, loss of joint range of movement, and contractures are common ¹. Pre-pubertal children also have a high risk of kyphoscoliosis, requiring monitoring of their spinal shape and curvature ¹.
• Pain: Pain can be a complication, particularly for those using spinal orthoses ¹.
• Psychological Impact: There is a significant risk of low mood and psychological trauma for people with spinal injury ¹.
• Sexual Function: Spinal cord injury may also affect sexual function ¹.