News: Spinal cord injury tied to long-term neurologic, psychiatric, cardiac risks, study finds
Traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) may be linked to a higher long-term risk of developing neurologic, psychiatric, cardiovascular, and endocrine comorbidities, according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open. Researchers found that TSCI was associated with increased risk for neurologic disease ischemic stroke, dementia, and seizures, Medscape Medical News reported.
Researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study using the records of 1,038 patients with TSCI from Mass General Brigham (MGB) and 1,711 from the University of California (UC) who were healthy prior to their injury, as well as a control group of 8,247 uninjured patients. Neurologic, psychiatric/substance use disorders, cardiovascular and endocrine disorders, and death was documented over a follow-up period of up to 20 years. The most common level of injury in both cohorts was cervical, observed in 37% of patients from MGB and 39% from UC.
This significant link between TSCI and dementia and chronic seizure disorders echoes the results of previous research. The study authors wrote that these findings highlight the need for long-term multidisciplinary care, including proactive screening and management.
“Our results confirm these associations in a US-based, racially diverse population, strengthening the evidence for an association between TSCI and subsequent epileptogenesis and neurodegenerative diseases,” study authors wrote.
Data showed that adults with TSCI had a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases and associated risk factors, including hypertension and coronary artery disease The risk for opioid use disorder was also significantly elevated in both cohorts.
The following psychiatric conditions were more prevalent in the TSCI group as well:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorder
- Schizophrenia or psychosis
- Sleep disorder
- Suicide ideation, intent, or attempt
Several post-TSCI chronic conditions were also associated with increased risk for death, including depression, substance misuse, seizures, dementia, hypertension, pituitary dysfunction, and adrenal insufficiency.
Editor’s note: To read Medscape Medical News’ coverage of this story, click here. To access the JAMA study, click here.