Acute Management of Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries

Alexandra Hunt; Karen A McQuillan

doi:10.1016/j.cnc.2023.02.004

Acute Management of Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries

Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am. 2023 Jun;35(2):119-128. doi: 10.1016/j.cnc.2023.02.004. Epub 2023 Mar 27.

Authors

Alexandra Hunt¹, Karen A McQuillan²

Affiliations

¹ R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland Medical Center, 22 South Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. Electronic address: alexandra.hunt@umm.edu.
² R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland Medical Center, 22 South Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.

PMID: 37127369
DOI: 10.1016/j.cnc.2023.02.004

Abstract

Traumatic cervical spinal cord injury can cause significant neurologic disability. A cervical spine injury impacts not only the neurologic system but also numerous other organ systems of the body. This complex injury requires a systematic approach to assessment and care aimed at preventing, recognizing, and treating potentially devastating secondary spinal cord injury and multisystem complications. This article focuses on the pathophysiology, initial presentation, and treatment of cervical spinal cord injury by body system.

Keywords: American Spinal Injury Association; Cervical spinal cord injury; Neurogenic shock; Spinal shock.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Cervical Cord*
Humans
Spinal Cord Injuries* / complications
Spinal Cord Injuries* / therapy