Prognosis

The outlook for people with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) is linked directly to the severity of the neurologic injury, and associated impairment. If the neurologic deficit is progressive, surgical intervention may be required to achieve damage control. This can lead to some improvement in neurologic status. With established lesions, full recovery of neurologic function is unlikely, and the outcome depends on the residual function and the ability of rehabilitation to maximize it.

SCI is associated with significant challenges to overall wellbeing, including a risk of mental health problems, a high risk of secondary chronic illnesses, financial insecurity, and social isolation. One review showed that poor social participation can lead to problems in reintegration into society following discharge from inpatient rehabilitation.[136] Several factors predicted poor social participation: older age when injured, medical complications, cognitive deficits, poor perceptions of control or self-efficacy, and poor social support.[136] Social support may lead to better health and functioning in people with SCI.[137] Return to work is higher in patients who were injured younger, with less severe injuries, and with higher functional independence, although employment rates are low after SCI.[138]

Patients with SCI have a decreased life expectancy compared with the general population.[139][140]

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