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Systemic Complications of Spinal Cord Injury

  • Neurology of Systemic Diseases (J Biller, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

To review the acute and chronic systemic complications of spinal cord injury and discuss treatment recommendations.

Recent Findings

The psychological, social, economic, and permanent neurologic effects associated with spinal cord injury (SCI) have universally persisted over time. Treating acute complications and preventing secondary injury can influence outcome, highlighting the importance of proper management of this patient population.

Summary

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is due to traumatic or non-traumatic causes. Outcome depends on the level of injury and degree of sensorimotor deficits. After the primary injury occurs, it is crucial to detect and treat secondary mechanisms of injury. Correct method of intubation, preventing avoidable complications, and treating cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, and infectious systemic complications are crucial as they all impact morbidity and mortality in SCI patients.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Acknowledgements

A special thank you to Dr. John Brust for taking the time to review this manuscript.

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Correspondence to Rochelle Sweis.

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Conflict of Interest

Rochelle Sweis and José Biller declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Neurology of Systemic Diseases

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Sweis, R., Biller, J. Systemic Complications of Spinal Cord Injury. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 17, 8 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-017-0715-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-017-0715-4

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