Skin
Skin breakdown is one of the most common secondary complications following spinal cord injury (SCI). Skin care should be a key consideration and component of SCI health care and rehabilitation.
Bladder
Spinal cord injury can significantly affect bladder function. Health professionals have a key role in supporting individuals with managing their bladder, to optimise participation and wellbeing.
Bowel
Spinal cord injury can significantly affect bowel function. Health professionals have a key role in supporting individuals with managing their bowel, to optimise participation and wellbeing.
Autonomic nervous system
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls many of the body’s involuntary functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing. These functions occur automatically, without conscious effort.
Respiratory
Respiratory dysfunction is a common and potentially life-threatening consequence of spinal cord injury (SCI), particularly in people with cervical or high thoracic lesions.
Cardiovascular
Spinal cord injury can affect the cardiovascular system. This is closely linked to the effects on the autonomic nervous system.
Sexuality and reproduction
Spinal cord injury can affect sexuality, sexual function, fertility and reproduction. These should be considered an important part of a person’s healthcare and rehabilitation.
Pain
Pain is a common experience for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). While pain in SCI shares many similarities with pain experienced by the general population, there are specific differences—particularly regarding central neuropathic pain, with SCI causing both “below-level” and “at-level” neuropathic pain.
