Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2026
Activity-based Training on a Treadmill with Spinal Cord Injured Wistar Rats
Published on: January 16, 2019
Rehabilitation of a child with a spinal cord injury
Kathryn Zidek1, Rajashree Srinivasan
1Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Insights
Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects all ages, with distinct causes and complications in children. Management requires addressing acute pulmonary issues and chronic conditions like autonomic dysreflexia and spasticity.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) incidence and sex distribution vary with age.
- Pediatric SCI is often caused by accidents and violence.
- Pulmonary complications are a significant concern in acute SCI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the epidemiology of SCI across age groups.
- To outline acute and chronic complications of SCI.
- To discuss rehabilitation strategies for SCI patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological data on SCI.
- Analysis of common causes of SCI in pediatric populations.
- Description of acute and chronic SCI-related conditions.
- Overview of available orthotic aids and rehabilitation programs.
Main Results:
- SCI causes differ by age, with accidents prevalent in children.
- High cervical injuries often necessitate lifelong ventilatory support.
- Numerous secondary complications can arise, including DVT, autonomic dysreflexia, and neurogenic bowel/bladder.
Conclusions:
- SCI management is age-dependent and requires addressing diverse complications.
- Integrated rehabilitation programs are crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.
- Long-term support, including ventilatory assistance and management of secondary conditions, is essential.
Abstract:
The incidence and sex distribution of spinal cord injury (SCI) changes with age. Motor vehicle accidents, bicycle accidents, sports accidents, and violence are major causes in the pediatric population. Pulmonary complications may be severe and life-threatening in the acute phase. Chronically, the degree of ventilatory support needed depends on the level of the injury, with high cervical injuries typically requiring life-long ventilatory support. Deep venous thrombosis, autonomic dysreflexia, hypercalcemia, heterotopic ossification, spasticity, neurogenic bowel and bladder, scoliosis, and pain all may be secondary to SCI. Numerous orthotic aids are available for rehabilitation. An integrated rehabilitation program may also include spasticity management, a bowel and bladder program, and other features geared to the individual patient.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology
01:25Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology