Congenital and Acquired Spinal Cord Injury and Dysfunction

Loren T Davidson; Maya C Evans

doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2023.01.017

Congenital and Acquired Spinal Cord Injury and Dysfunction

Pediatr Clin North Am. 2023 Jun;70(3):461-481. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2023.01.017. Epub 2023 Mar 21.

Authors

Loren T Davidson¹, Maya C Evans²

Affiliations

¹ Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, UC Davis Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California, Davis and Shriners Children's Northern California, 4860 Y Street, Suite 3850, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA. Electronic address: ldavidson@ucdavis.edu.
² Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, UC Davis Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California, Davis and Shriners Children's Northern California, 4860 Y Street, Suite 3850, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.

PMID: 37121637
DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2023.01.017

Abstract

Pediatric spinal cord injury and dysfunction (SCI/D) can result from atypical embryologic development or be acquired as the result of trauma, infection, autoimmune conditions, and tumors. The age of onset and causal mechanism of SCI/D has dramatic implications for function and risk of comorbidities throughout the lifespan. Optimal care of children with SCI/D is multidisciplinary and the pediatrician is a very important member of this team. This review highlights functional prognosis and important health maintenance issues to prevent complications and maximize independence. It is intended to assist the pediatrician in the care of this unique patient population.

Keywords: Myelomeningocele; Neurogenic bladder; Neurogenic bowel; Pediatric spinal cord injury.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Autoimmune Diseases*
Child
Humans
Prognosis
Spinal Cord Injuries* / complications
Spinal Cord Injuries* / diagnosis
Spinal Cord Injuries* / therapy