Management of Ventilation following Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Most early deaths after spinal cord injury may be attributed to pulmonary complications. Passive expiration due to paralyzed intercostal and abdominal muscles, and the inability to inflate the lungs fully, set the stage for retained secretions, atelectasis, ventilation–perfusion abnormalities, and pneumonia. Many patients with spinal cord injury are placed on mechanical ventilation. With the use of IPPB, the rocking bed, the Pneumobelt, and glossopharyngeal breathing, after bone healing is complete and the neck is stable, the tetraplegic patient can have more mobility. This is important because prolonged immobility can promote pressure sores, intractable spasticity, and osteoporosis, all of which can shorten life.