Clinical Complications Associated with Spinal Cord Injury: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a neuro-destruction occurred from a complete or incomplete, traumatic or non-traumatic that results in degeneration, structural, biochemical, and physiological changes of tissue. SCI is a clinical problem associated with impairments in different aspects of the patient's life. The pathophysiology of SCI involves a primary phase that directly disrupts axons, cell membranes, and blood vessels. This primary phase is followed by a secondary phase involving vascular dysfunction, ischemia, excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death. If this second phase isn't managed, it will result in many pathological processes that will cause several clinical complications. The aim of rehabilitation and other treatments is to enhance the functional level and to reduce secondary morbidity as well as improve the quality of health of the patient. SCI results in different complications in different organs of the individual. Early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of complications in SCI patients are very important for limiting these complications. This review was carried out in order review the data about clinical complications associated with SCI, including multiple organ dysfunction, systemic inflammation, immune suppression, neurogenic shock, autonomic dysreflexia, orthostatic hypotension, temperature regulation, sweat secretion, respiratory complications and dysphagia, thromboembolism, urinary system, reproductive system, skeletal muscle, bone, liver, spleen and gastrointestinal tract. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide knowledge on the SCI complications, sign and symptoms, risk factors prevention and treatment of complications caused by SCI.

Neurological recovery and neurogenesis by curcumin sustained‐release system cross‐linked with an acellular spinal cord scaffold in rat spinal cord injury: Targeting NLRP3 inflammasome pathway

“…Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects approximately 10–80 cases per million people, and trauma accounts for up to 90% of these cases (Mohammed et al, 2021; World Health Organization, 2013). The spinal cord is locally damaged in the first phase as a result of mechanical forces.…”

Role of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Post-Spinal-Cord-Injury Anxiety and Depression: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications

“…4 The primary consequence of SCI is the progressive degeneration of sensory, motor, and autonomic fibers, resulting in a disability that profoundly impacts functional independence. 5,6 Moreover, depression and anxiety are commonly observed in individuals post-SCI. 7,8 Approximately 22% of SCI patients report symptoms of depression, while the prevalence of anxiety varies between 15% to 32% 9,10 These mood disorder symptoms have a profound impact on the physical well-being of individuals after SCI.…”

“…Spinal cord injury (SCI) is an extensive and consequential problem that frequently arises due to traumatic incidents such as violence, motor vehicle accidents, sports-related injuries, and falls, as well as nontraumatic conditions like transverse myelitis or spinal tumors. − This condition, with a global incidence ranging from 3.6 to 195.4 individuals per million, can result in severe neurological disabilities accompanied by significant complications . The primary consequence of SCI is the progressive degeneration of sensory, motor, and autonomic fibers, resulting in a disability that profoundly impacts functional independence. , Moreover, depression and anxiety are commonly observed in individuals post-SCI. , Approximately 22% of SCI patients report symptoms of depression, while the prevalence of anxiety varies between 15% to 32% , These mood disorder symptoms have a profound impact on the physical well-being of individuals after SCI …”