title: Systemic Complications of Spinal Cord Injury.
abstract: To review the acute and chronic systemic complications of spinal cord injury and discuss treatment recommendations.
  
  
  
  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. 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 S. First Avenue, Maguire Building, Room 2700, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA. rochelle.sweis@luhs.org.
authors.forename: Rochelle
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sweis
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 S. First Avenue, Maguire Building, Room 2700, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA.
authors.forename: José
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Biller
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D055502:Secondary Prevention / Q000379:methods*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications*
keywords: Autonomic; Dysreflexia; Injury; Shock; Spinal cord; Trauma