Current trends in the management of acute spinal cord injury

Acute spinal cord injury is a traumatic event that affects more than 10,000 individuals each year. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are imperative. The critical care practitioner who can provide early intervention to prevent anticipated complications, as well as provide appropriate therapy, may significantly reduce the mortality and/or morbidity for these patients. This article describes the classification of, as well as current research regarding the pathophysiologic processes that occur during spinal cord injury. Furthermore, trends in the surgical and pharmacologic treatment, and therapies to prevent complications, are discussed. Finally, research horizons are articulated.