Complications of Spinal Cord Injuries
People who are unfortunate enough to have a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) may also suffer from additional complications later in life.
The most common complication associated with SCI’s is skin breakdowns. They occur as a result of excessive pressure, mainly on the bones of the buttock. A SCI not only effects muscle tone and sensation but also alters the blood supply to the skin. SCI’s also has an effect on the elastic properties of the underlying skin.
Alteration in the blood supply and muscle tone significantly reduces the skins ability to withstand pressure; the end result is the development of painful sores and ulcers which often require surgical care. There are, however, a number of products available to prevent the risk of skin breakdowns such as pressure-relieving cushions.
Osteoporosis is another complication of a SCI. A large number of people with SCI’s end up developing osteoporosis. People without spinal cord injuries keep their bones strong through regular muscular activity or simply by bearing their own weight. When you reduce muscular activity and the legs no longer bear the body’s weight, they start to lose phosphorus and calcium. The end result is that the bones become extremely brittle and fragile. This is less of a problem for people who use standing frames or braces.
Pneumonia is a common complication for patients with spinal cord injuries from the chest up. This occurs 5 to 10 years following the spinal cord injury and tends to be progressive in nature.
Spasticity - Spasticity is an exaggeration of the normal reactions that occur when the body is stimulated. People that have a SCI often suffer from spasticity as the nerves below the injury become disconnected from the brain, resulting in exaggerated reflexes.
Muscle spasticity can happen any time the body is stimulated below the SCI. This is more noticeable when the muscles are stretched or there is pain below the injury.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) - A potentially severe complication of a SCI. Deep vein thrombosis is in the lower leg is extremely common in the early phases of recovery and rehabilitation. Thrombosis situated within the thigh, is of more concern, as the patient is at risk of it dislodging and passing through into the lungs. An obstruction of the arteries leading to the lung can be extremely dangerous and in some cases, fatal. There are medications to reduce the risk of DVT that reduce blood viscosity.
Hyperthermia/Hypothermia – Spinal cord injuries affect the body’s ability to regulate body temperature. If you are in a hot room your body temperature may increase and similarly, in a cold room, your body temperature may lower. The more severe your SCI is the greater the tendency for fluctuation in body temperature.
