Spinal Cord Injury: Extent of Disability, Complications, and Management of Patients in The Community – An Overview for Primary Care Physicians

Abstract

In terms of mortality and morbidity, spinal cord injury (SCI) is the second most frequent severe traumatic event globally, behind traumatic brain injury. SCI causes physical, psychological, social, and financial dysfunction not only to patients but also to their families. This review aims to highlight the most common potentially reversible medical issues faced by patients affected by SCI in the community so that they could be addressed early at the primary care level. In this narrative review, the leading causes of morbidity following SCI including cardio-pulmonary complications, bowel, and bladder-related complications and autonomic dysreflexia are presented with recommendations for their management. We explore the management of bone health-related, pressure injury-related complications and psychosocial aspects of care, and present recommendations to improve the quality of life of patients with SCI. Early detection and management of complications of SCI at the primary care level will help reduce the financial costs and psychosocial burden of this major cause of long-term disability.