Cervical Cord Injury and Critical Care

Description: The majority of spinal cord injuries (SCI), involving previously healthy young adults, result from trauma; 37% occur after road accidents, 42% follow falls, 11% are associated with sports and recreational activities, and 3% after assault.[1] There is a male predominance of 4:1.
Respiratory complications are the leading cause of death in the long and short term. SCI can result in numerous pulmonary complications and special attention to respiratory support can reduce morbidity, length of stay, and mortality. High dependency or intensive care support is often needed.
Additional injuries are frequently associated with SCI, and may be masked, and it is vital that these are not overlooked. Initial management should follow current ATLS guidelines and a full secondary survey conducted at an appropriate time.
Michelle Denton, MBChB FRCA; Justin McKinlay, MA (Oxon) BM BCh FRCA Cont Edu Anaesth Crit Care & Pain. 2009;9(3):82-86. Full text