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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
07:28
A Contusive Model of Unilateral Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Using the Infinite Horizon Impactor
Published on: July 24, 2012
Recurrent asystole resulting from high cervical spinal cord injuries
D L Franga1, M L Hawkins, R S Medeiros
1Medical College of Georgia, Augusta 30912, USA.
The American Surgeon
|July 1, 2006
Summary
Patients with complete cervical spinal cord injury may experience cardiovascular instability. Consider permanent pacemakers for those with persistent symptomatic bradyarrhythmia two weeks post-injury.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) often causes cardiovascular instability, including bradyarrhythmias and hypotension.
- These cardiovascular issues typically resolve shortly after injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term need for cardiac pacemakers in patients with complete CSCI.
- To determine the appropriate timing for considering pacemaker implantation in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 30 patients with complete CSCI treated at a Level I trauma center from January 2003 to December 2005.
- Analysis of cardiovascular events, specifically bradyarrhythmias and the need for pacemaker placement.
Main Results:
- Five out of 30 patients with complete CSCI required permanent cardiac pacemakers due to recurrent bradycardia/asystolic events.
- These events necessitated pacemaker implantation despite initial resolution of cardiovascular instability.
Conclusions:
- A significant minority of patients with complete CSCI develop persistent bradyarrhythmic events.
- Strong consideration for permanent pacemaker placement is warranted for CSCI patients with symptomatic bradyarrhythmia persisting beyond two weeks post-injury.
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