CARE ASSISTANT
SVSpinal Cord Injury (SCI)
A spinal cord injury that interrupts communication with the pelvis.
The level and severity of the injury determine the type of dysfunction. Above T12, the bladder most often becomes 'reflex': it empties without warning.
Below T12, the bladder is often 'flaccid': it stretches and does not empty on its own, with a risk to the kidneys if it is not catheterised. An adapted bladder programme protects long-term health.
More Informations
After a spinal cord injury, bladder and bowel follow a precise programme.
Definition
A spinal cord injury interrupts all or part of the signals between the brain and the organs below the injury. The bladder and bowel are no longer consciously controlled.
Causes
A trauma (road accident, fall, sport), more rarely a disease or tumour of the spinal cord.
Diagnosis
- CT and MRI of the spine and spinal cord.
- Urodynamic assessment to understand bladder behaviour.
Treatments
Stabilisation of the spine, rehabilitation, then a bladder programme (intermittent catheterisation, medicines) and a bowel programme (schedules, evacuation aids) built with the rehabilitation team. Protecting the kidneys is the priority.
After a spinal cord injury, bladder and bowel follow a precise programme with the rehabilitation team. Depending on mobility, Flexi absorbent underwear or the Combi brief with tabs completes this programme, with a Mati underpad in bed.
Educational content written for families and caregivers. It does not replace a consultation: a doctor, a continence nurse or a physiotherapist makes the diagnosis and chooses the treatment.