Spinal Cord Injuries
Description General measures Medicine treatment Referral DESCRIPTION Multiple symptoms may manifest in these patients, requiring accompanying medications and rehabilitative therapy at different levels of care. Patients with spinal cord injuries may initially be managed at hospital level before referral to primary care level for long-term management. After referral, patients should be assisted wit
DESCRIPTION
Multiple symptoms may manifest in these patients, requiring accompanying medications and rehabilitative therapy at different levels of care. Patients with spinal cord injuries may initially be managed at hospital level before referral to primary care level for long-term management. After referral, patients should be assisted with access of items prescribed at hospital level to ensure continuity of care.
GENERAL MEASURES
Refer patients with cervical spinal cord injury for multidisciplinary rehabilitation to optimise cardiorespiratory and functional (including mental health) performance.
LoE:IIb47
MEDICINE TREATMENT
Neurogenic bowel dysfunction
For constipation, see: Constipation.
Neuropathic and nociceptive pain
See: Chronic non-cancer pain.
Depression
See: Depressive disorders.
Anxiety
See: Anxiety disorders.
Infections
See Chapter 10: Infections and related conditions.
Pressure sores
See: Pressure ulcers/sores.
REFERRAL
- All patients for initial multidisciplinary assessment and management.
- Patients who require treatment for chronic conditions not covered above, such as spasticity, neurogenic bladder, DVT (prophylaxis or treatment), and osteoporosis.
Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Primary Healthcare, 2020-4_Version 1.0_26 May 2025
Chapter 15: Central Nervous System Conditions_15.12 Spinal Cord Injuries