Intensive care of patients with spinal trauma.

This article takes a systematic approach to intensive care unit management of acute spinal cord injury. Pathophysiology and current medical management of the neurologic injury are discussed. Anticipation, prevention, and treatment of sequelae of spinal cord injury are stressed in sections on respiratory, cardiovascular, venous thrombosis, and gastrointestinal issues, as well as in sections on nutritional, genitourinary, and skin problems associated with spinal cord injury.