Initial care

Having a spinal cord injury changes many things. Rehabilitation ensures that you have the best chance of returning to as much of your previous life as you can.

In the initial stages after a spinal cord injury you require special care to make sure there is no further damage to your spinal cord.

Surgery

Surgery to your spinal column may be necessary. This is often the best way to stabilise fractured (broken) vertebrae. It ensures that your spinal column will not move and cause further damage to your spinal cord.

Surgery also prevents spinal column deformities, such as a kyphosis (hunch back). These conditions can cause problems for your posture and may lead to pressure injuries. Good posture is also important for your self-esteem.

Another benefit of surgery is that you may be able to use a wheelchair within a few days and become mobile. This helps reduce the risks of chest infections, pressure injuries and leg clots (deep vein thrombosis), which can occur with bed rest.

Breathing stabilisation

To make sure you have adequate oxygen in your bloodstream you may be given oxygen through a face mask.

You may need to use a ventilator (respirator) if your normal breathing function has been disrupted. This will be attached to a tracheostomy tube, which is inserted into your throat. This tube is placed over your vocal cords, which means your speech will be affected for a short while. Your physiotherapist and speech therapist will work closely with nursing staff to ensure that you can communicate.

Food and drink

Fluids will be restricted for a few days, but to prevent dehydration you will need to have an intravenous (IV) drip . A tube is inserted into your vein and fluids are passed directly into your blood stream.

Your stomach and bowel will not be functioning normally, so a tube is inserted through your nose into your stomach to drain fluids that cannot be absorbed. A tube might also be used for feeding you when your stomach is working again.

Skin

It is very important to prevent pressure injuries (bedsores). This involves turning you in bed, perhaps every 2-4 hours. You skin will also be regularly checked for red marks or skin breaks.

Bladder

A urinary catheter will be inserted into your bladder to drain urine. This makes sure that there is no damage to your bladder by over-filling, which can lead to kidney problems.

Circulation

Care is also taken to make sure you don’t form blood clots in your leg veins. This is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Drugs will be given to you to thin your blood. Compression stockings and machines that promote circulation are also applied to your limbs.

Emotional support

When you are first injured, emotional and psychological support for you and your and family is given by nursing and medical staff. Then a social worker, psychologist or chaplain will be available to help.