Follow-up care of the spinal cord injury patient.

Follow-up care of the spinal cord injury patient is often inadequate after discharge from the rehabilitation center. The family physician must pay particular attention to the genitourinary and respiratory systems; autonomic dysfunction, including temperature variation; skin care; contractures and spasticity; the prevention of thromboembolic disease, and nutritional intake. continuing psychosocial support is mandatory, as well as conservative management of pain. The prognosis for a full, rewarding life is becoming a reality.