Questions - Pressure Sores en-us http://www.thescizone.com/questions N/A http://www.thescizone.com/questions webmaster@thescizone.com 20 http://www.thescizone.com/questions/articles/8/1/How-does-spinal-cord-injury-affect-the-skin/1.html Spinal cord injury reduces or eliminates skin sensation in dermatomes below the injury site. Because people cannot feel or move, they may sit or lie for long times on certain parts of their body. Pressure impedes blood flow in the skin. Due to muscle atrophy, the normal tissue padding that cushions the butt may be reduced. Absence of sensation, loss of muscle padding, and long periods of pressure can lead to skin breakdown and development of pressure sores or decubiti. Decubiti are potentially life threatening but preventable. webmaster@thescizone.com (Super Admin) Thu, 22 Sep 2005 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.thescizone.com/questions/articles/24/1/What-are-general-medical-concerns-with-SCI/1.html As a person with a disability who uses a wheelchair, you have additional health concerns. For example you must work harder to maintain your health. If you lack sensation, you must be alert for other signals from your body. It is wise to find out what you can about healthcare and advocating for yourself before an emergency or serious health threat arises. webmaster@thescizone.com (Super Admin) Thu, 16 Sep 2004 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.thescizone.com/questions/articles/69/1/Pulmonary-bladder-and-skin-care/1.html Spinal cord injury may compromise breathing and coughing. After cervical spinal cord injury, artificial respiration may be necessary and pneumonia is common. Spinal cord injury paralyzes the bladder and a catheter must be placed in the bladder to drain urine. Continued pressure causes skin sores called decubiti. Cushioning vulnerable areas and regular turning prevents this. webmaster@thescizone.com (Super Admin) Tue, 13 Jul 2004 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.thescizone.com/questions/articles/61/1/When-the-cord-is-injured-it-is-the-pressure-on-the-cord-that-causes-the-injury-unless-it-is-bad-and-the-cord-gets-cut-Is-this-true-Is-one-worse-or-better-than-the-other-or-does-it-depend/1.html  The spinal cord is seldom cut by injury unless the injury is due to a bullet or knife. In most cases, the spinal cord is compressed either slowly or rapidly by bone or disc displaced against the spinal cord. The extent and cause of damage depend on the speed of compression. Slow and prolonged pressure damages the spinal cord by blocking blood flow to the cord. webmaster@thescizone.com (Super Admin) Thu, 15 Apr 2004 00:00:00 -0400