Does lack of brain injury mean lack of cognitive impairment in traumatic spinal cord injury?

This study investigates whether people with traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI), but without documented brain injury, experience cognitive problems. The researchers compared cognitive test results between individuals with tSCI and a control group, while also considering the influence of emotional factors like depression and distress. The findings suggest that some people with tSCI may have lower cognitive abilities, even without brain injury, and that emotional distress isn't the sole cause.

• 1
  Participants with tSCI showed higher levels of depression and distress compared to non-SCI controls.
• 2
  After controlling for emotional variables, the tSCI group scored lower on cognitive tests assessing executive functions, memory, and attention, but not naming abilities.
• 3
  Executive functions showed the highest effect size, indicating a potentially greater impact on this cognitive domain in individuals with tSCI.