Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX
Key components of long-term management for patients with spinal cord injuries include:
- Ensuring ongoing contact with a regional specialist spinal cord injury centre and referring using the national spinal injuries database within 24 hours of diagnosis NICE NG211.
- Seeking advice from the regional specialist spinal cord injury centre outreach team throughout inpatient stay and at discharge to support rehabilitation NICE NG211.
- Completing an assessment using an American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) chart as soon as possible after injury and repeating as needed NICE NG211.
- Addressing areas affected by spinal cord injury such as bowel, bladder, and sexual function by seeking specialist advice NICE NG211.
- Referring children and young people to specialist play and education services, and monitoring growth and nutrition throughout rehabilitation NICE NG211.
- Planning early discharge meetings involving the patient, family, and relevant services, with ongoing contact post-discharge via outpatient follow-up, including telephone or video reviews NICE NG211.
- Utilising additional techniques and specialised equipment such as functional electrical stimulation, gait orthoses, bodyweight-supported gait training, and robotic devices to promote mobility and independence NICE NG211.
- Treating spasticity with oral medications or botulinum toxin injections if appropriate, and referring to multidisciplinary teams if initial treatments are unsuccessful NICE NG211.
- Monitoring for and managing complications such as pressure sores, orthostatic hypotension, and orthopaedic issues like kyphoscoliosis, with early specialist assessment when needed NICE NG211.
- Providing psychological support to address the risk of low mood and trauma, with access to practitioners experienced in trauma and rehabilitation NICE NG211.