Depression and pregnancy-associated death by suicide after spinal cord injury: a case report

To report a case of a pregnant woman with traumatic spinal cord injury complicated with a psychiatric disorder.

A 24-year-old woman at 18 weeks of gestation was transferred to our hospital with a history of having jumped from a third-floor apartment patio.

A trauma survey showed no life-threatening hemorrhage, and fetal wellbeing was confirmed. Neurological examination showed complete loss of motor and sensory function in her lower extremities. Termination of pregnancy was advised and was achieved medically. Surgical intervention was performed to achieve stabilization of the spine and decompression of neural elements. After the operation, she was referred to a psychiatrist, and the administration of paroxetine, etizolam and flunitrazepam was begun. Four months after undergoing the abortion, she choked herself to death on her ward bed.

Although it is rare, we should pay special attention to the substantial suicide risk of women who face severe spinal cord injury.