International standards to document remaining autonomic Function in persons with SCI and neurogenic bowel dysfunction: Illustrative cases
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 14, 2026

Methods to Quantify Pharmacologically Induced Alterations in Motor Function in Human Incomplete SCI
Published on: April 18, 2011
Lance L Goetz1, Anton Emmanuel2, Klaus Krogh3
11Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders Service, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center and Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA USA.
Introduction:
Neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) is a highly prevalent problem after spinal cord injury, with potential for significant impact on health and quality of life. The international standards to document remaining autonomic function after SCI were developed to standardize communication between professionals regarding neurogenic bowel and other autonomic function after SCI. To improve understanding of the bowel subsection, illustrative cases are presented.
Case Presentation:
Three cases are presented which illustrate differences in presentation and scoring of the elements in the data set based upon varying injury severity and location.
Discussion:
Determination of neurologic level of injury is insufficient for assessment of autonomic function and there is no direct method of assessment. Hence, surrogate makers are needed. The bowel subsection of the International standards to document remaining autonomic function in persons with SCI is an easy-to-use tool for this purpose.
Related Concept Videos
Internal Energy
Autonomic Nervous System
The ANS comprises two main divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. These divisions function antagonistically to maintain a dynamic...
Internal Receptors
Guidelines for Nursing Documentation I
Factual:
The following points emphasize the significance of upholding accurate and unbiased documentation in healthcare.
Methods of Documentation V: CBE
In CBE, healthcare professionals establish predefined standards of practice that define what constitutes...
Formats for Nursing Documentation
Nursing Assessment Form:
• A nursing assessment form is a foundational document that captures detailed patient data from physical assessments and nursing histories.
• It includes patient demographics, medical history,...

