RESPIRATORY MANAGEMENT IN SPINAL CORD INJURY: BREATHING AND THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM IN SCI

     If the spinal cord injury occurs in C-3 or higher, the phrenic nerve is no longer stimulated and the diaphragm does not function. This means the individual will need mechanical assistance - a ventilator - to breathe. Persons who require a ventilator to breath can be discharged home. Equipment will be ordered and set up prior to discharge. An auxiliary power supply (generator) is recommended in case of prolonged power outages. Twenty-four hour care will be necessary.

     Persons with spinal cord injury at the mid-thoracic level and higher will have trouble taking a deep breath and exhaling forcefully. They have also lost the ability to forcefully cough or to cough with even normal force because of the loss of the intercostal and/or abdominal muscles. This loss of the ability to cough can lead to lung congestion and respiratory infections.

• Respiratory tract complications

  • Lung congestion
  • Pneumonia
  • Atelectasis
  • Choking

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