Nontraumatic Spinal Cord Injury Etiology and Rehabilitation Outcomes: SCI Model Systems Pilot Study Data

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) has historically focused on traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI).
• Pilot funding enabled the initial study of individuals with nontraumatic spinal cord injury (NTSCI) within the SCIMS program.
• This research addresses a gap in understanding NTSCI, which differs significantly from TSCI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the demographic profile of the NTSCI pilot cohort.
• To identify the etiological causes of NTSCI in the study population.
• To describe inpatient rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with NTSCI.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive study design was employed.
• Adults with NTSCI admitted to SCIMS centers were included.
• Data were collected via medical records abstraction and survey questionnaires.

Main Results:

• 187 individuals with NTSCI participated.
• Common etiologies included degenerative vertebral causes (n=67), tumor-malignant (n=29), and vascular (n=28).
• The average age was 59.2 years, with over 40% aged 60-74. The population was 35% female, predominantly non-Hispanic White (59.5%).

Conclusions:

• The US SCIMS program can successfully recruit NTSCI research participants.
• Ongoing NTSCI research within SCIMS can yield valuable data comparable to TSCI research.
• This study establishes a foundation for future NTSCI research and intervention development.