Orthostatic Hypotension as a Multifactorial Abnormality after Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

Czech version

Authors: K. Ondrušová ^1,2; M. Nováková ^1,2
Authors‘ workplace: Fyziologický ústav LF MU, Brno ¹; ICRC – Mezinárodní centrum klinického výzkumu – Centrum animálního výzkumu, FN u sv. Anny v Brně ²
Published in: Cesk Slov Neurol N 2014; 77/110(2): 174-178
Category: Review Article

Podpořeno projekty MUNI/ A/ 0951/ 2012 a European Regional Developmental Fund – Project FNUSA‑ ICRC (No. CZ.1.05/ 1.1.00/ 02.0123).
Autoři děkují prof. MU Dr. Pavlu Bravenému, CSc., za kritické pročtení rukopisu a připomínky.

Overview

Verticalisation, posture changes and transport strategies form an integral part of rehabilitation programmes as well as daily activities of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Orthostatic hypotension symptoms represent a frequent problem, mainly early after SCI. Orthostatic hypotension markedly worsens quality of life, in particular in patients with cervical SCI. Motor and sensory deficits are evaluated according to the international standard for neurological classification of spinal cord injury; detailed description of residual autonomous nervous system general function constitutes a part of comprehensive neurological examination of these patients. In this paper, causes, symptoms and clinical picture of orthostatic hypotension from acute to chronic stage and with respect to the lesion position, are summarized. Also, an overview of non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions is provided.

Key words:
spinal cord injury – orthostatic hypotension – autonomous nervous system

The authors declare they have no potential conflicts of interest concerning drugs, products, or services used in the study.

The Editorial Board declares that the manuscript met the ICMJE “uniform requirements” for biomedical papers.

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