Paralysis Resource Guide - (Page 76) HEALTH MANAGEMENT OTHER COMPLICATIONS Heart Disease: People with spinal cord dysfunction have an increased risk of developing heart disease at an earlier age than those in the rest of the population. Cardiovascular diseases are reportedly the leading cause of death for persons who have had a spinal cord injury for more than 30 years. People with SCI are prone to certain metabolic risk factors. They are generally more insulin resistant, which affects the body’s ability to transform blood sugar into energy, and can lead to heart disease, diabetes and other conditions. Contributing to the abnormalities are loss of muscle mass (atrophy), increase in body fat, and a harder time maintaining cardiovascular fitness. Prevention strategies: screening for blood sugar problems, healthy diet, no smoking, moderation with alcohol, regular physical exercise. Orthostatic hypotension is a condition that results in a decrease in blood pressure when sitting or standing up, causing light-headedness or fainting. It occurs more commonly after spinal cord injury at T-6 or above, in response to lowered blood pressure. Elastic hose and abdominal support help prevent it. It is also helpful to come to a sitting or standing position gradually. Cyst, or syrinx, is a fluid-filled cavity that develops in the spinal cord and can lead to loss of motor function and sensation. Those who notice significant changes are advised to contact their physician. Treatment may involve cyst drainage or untethering of the spinal cord (freeing the flow of spinal fluid). Heterotopic ossification (HO) is the development of bone deposits in soft (non-skeletal) tissue, primarily around the hip and knee joints. It occurs in many spinal cord injured individuals and may develop within days following the injury. In most cases, HO causes no significant additional physical limitations but may limit joint motion, cause swelling or increase spasticity in the leg. Drugs are prescribed to treat HO; surgery is sometimes necessary. Hypo/hyperthermia: Paralysis can cause the temperature of the body to fluctuate according to the temperature of the environment. Being in a hot room may increase temperature (hyperthermia); a cold room may decrease temperature (hypothermia). Temperature management is essential for some people. 76
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