Neurological Intensive Care for Acute Spinal Cord Injury Patients

Abstract

Corresponding Author: Junseok W Hur, M.D., Ph.D. Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, Korea University, 73 Inchon-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Korea Tel: +82-2-920-5729 Fax: +82-2-929-0629 E-mail: hurjune@gmail.com The spinal cord injury (SCI) patients suffer various medical conditions at early period after injury. Methylprednisolone could be administrated for neurologic recovery but the potential side effects could be carefully considered. Besides limb motor and sensory deficits, SCI could affect various respiratory muscles as diaphragm, chest wall, and abdomen which leads to respiratory failure and mechanical ventilation. Sympathetic nerve denervation could lead hypotension and bradycardia. Volume supplement and cardiovascular constrictor could be considered. Prevention and treatment of pressure sore are essential and active pain control should be started from the intensive care unit.