Spinal cord injury with respiratory insufficiency

Spinal cord injury with respiratory insufficiency

Spinal cord injury with respiratory insufficiency refers to a condition in which the respiratory system is affected due to damage to the spinal cord, leading to difficulty breathing, coughing, or clearing the lungs. The extent of respiratory insufficiency depends on the level and severity of the spinal cord injury. 

Causes of Spinal Cord Injury with Respiratory Insufficiency

• Trauma or injury

The most common cause of spinal cord injury with respiratory insufficiency is direct trauma or injury to the spinal cord.

• Neurological disorders

Neurological disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome can cause spinal cord injury with respiratory insufficiency.

• Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases

Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as Parsonage-Turner syndrome can cause spinal cord injury with respiratory insufficiency.

• Birth defects

Birth defects or trauma to an infant during labor and delivery can cause spinal cord injury with respiratory insufficiency.

• Complications from surgeries

Complications from neck or chest surgeries, such as coronary artery bypass surgery, can cause spinal cord injury with respiratory insufficiency.

• Spinal cord injuries

Spinal cord injuries, including from trauma, can cause spinal cord injury with respiratory insufficiency.

Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injury with Respiratory Insufficiency

• Difficulty breathing

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath is a common symptom of spinal cord injury with respiratory insufficiency.

• Coughing

A dry cough that does not produce phlegm is another common symptom of spinal cord injury with respiratory insufficiency.

• Fatigue

Feeling tired or weak is a common symptom of spinal cord injury with respiratory insufficiency.

• Chest pain

Pain in the chest, especially while breathing or coughing, can be a symptom of spinal cord injury with respiratory insufficiency.

• Clubbing of fingers

Clubbing of fingers, which is the enlargement of the fingertips, can occur in some cases of spinal cord injury with respiratory insufficiency.

Diagnosis of Spinal Cord Injury with Respiratory Insufficiency

• Physical examination

A thorough examination of the lungs and chest is performed to assess the presence of spinal cord injury with respiratory insufficiency.

• Imaging tests

Imaging tests such as chest X-ray, CT scan, or MRI may be used to visualize the lungs and determine the extent of the injury.

• Pulmonary function tests

Pulmonary function tests measure how well the lungs are functioning and can help diagnose spinal cord injury with respiratory insufficiency.

• Electromyography (EMG)

EMG is a diagnostic test that measures the electrical activity of muscles and nerves and can help diagnose spinal cord injury with respiratory insufficiency.

• Phrenic nerve stimulation test

This test involves stimulating the phrenic nerve to assess its function and can help diagnose spinal cord injury with respiratory insufficiency.

Or rate primary disorder.

Note (1): A 100-percent rating shall be assigned for pleurisy with empyema, with or without pleurocutaneous fistula, until resolved.

Note (2): Following episodes of total spontaneous pneumothorax, a rating of 100 percent shall be assigned as of the date of hospital admission and shall continue for three months from the first day of the month after hospital discharge.

Note (3): Gunshot wounds of the pleural cavity with bullet or missile retained in lung, pain or discomfort on exertion, or with scattered rales or some limitation of excursion of diaphragm or of lower chest expansion shall be rated at least 20-percent disabling. Disabling injuries of shoulder girdle muscles (Groups I to IV) shall be separately rated and combined with ratings for respiratory involvement. Involvement of Muscle Group XXI (DC 5321), however, will not be separately rated.