Symptom Burden in Persons With Spinal Cord Injury

Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 2007 · DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2007.02.002 · Published: May 1, 2007

Spinal Cord Injury Healthcare Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the frequency, severity, and course of several symptoms experienced by individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and how these symptoms relate to their functioning. The most common symptoms were pain, weakness, fatigue, and numbness. These symptoms tend to remain stable or worsen over time, impacting patient functioning, especially pain, weakness, fatigue, and memory loss. The research suggests that clinicians should proactively address these symptoms to improve the quality of life for SCI patients, particularly focusing on pain, weakness, and fatigue.

Study Duration

September 5, 2002, to August 13, 2004

Participants

147 persons with SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Pain, weakness, fatigue, and numbness were the most frequently reported symptoms among individuals with SCI.
2
All seven symptoms studied (pain, weakness, fatigue, numbness, memory loss, vision loss, shortness of breath) were more likely to remain the same or worsen over time rather than improve.
3
Pain and memory loss made significant and independent contributions to the prediction of both social integration and psychologic functioning.

Research Summary

The study aimed to determine the frequency, severity, and course of seven symptoms in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and their association with patient functioning. Postal surveys were used to gather data on pain, fatigue, numbness, weakness, shortness of breath, vision loss, and memory loss, along with measures of community integration and psychologic functioning. The findings indicated that pain, weakness, and fatigue are common and closely linked to patient social and mental health functioning, emphasizing the need for effective treatments targeting these symptoms.

Practical Implications

Clinical Assessment

Clinicians should routinely assess for pain, weakness, fatigue, numbness, memory loss, vision loss, and shortness of breath in patients with SCI.

Treatment Development

Targeted treatments should be developed for the most common and impactful symptoms, such as pain, weakness, and fatigue.

Patient Education

Educate patients about the potential for these symptoms to persist or worsen over time, emphasizing the importance of early intervention.

Study Limitations

1
Limited domains of functioning were measured (community integration, psychologic functioning).
2
Only some secondary complications (perceived symptoms) were assessed.
3
Cross-sectional data limits causal conclusions.

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