Acute Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects approximately 17,810 Americans each year and is associated with significant loss of physical and personal independence. An obstetrician or subspecialist in maternal-fetal medicine may become involved as part of the team working to stabilize the pregnant patient in the critical first hours after an acute SCI, and in managing the subsequent pregnancy, labor, and delivery of injured patients while pregnant. The primary goal of emergent care of a pregnant patient with an acute SCI is to diagnose and treat life-threatening injuries while preventing any unnecessary traction or motion of the spinal column. The evaluation of the circulatory system in a pregnant trauma patient with acute SCI can be very difficult. A comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to rehabilitation and recovery is essential. Pain and muscle spasms may require specific medications for control, as well as altering the mode of delivery, depending on their severity.