What are the common complications of spinal cord injuries that I shoul

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

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

Skin and Pressure Issues: Patients are at risk of developing pressure sores, requiring regular assessment of skin and pressure care .
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 .
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 .
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 .
Musculoskeletal Complications: Spasticity, loss of joint range of movement, and contractures are common . Pre-pubertal children also have a high risk of kyphoscoliosis, requiring monitoring of their spinal shape and curvature .
Pain: Pain can be a complication, particularly for those using spinal orthoses .
Psychological Impact: There is a significant risk of low mood and psychological trauma for people with spinal injury .
Sexual Function: Spinal cord injury may also affect sexual function .

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