RESPIRATORY-PROBLEMS AFTER HIGH CERVICAL-SPINE INJURY

Respiratory failure plays a major role in morbidity and mortality afte r high cervical spine injury. Initially the patients are threatened by acute loss of motor function of the respiratory muscles and the devel opment of neurogenic pulmonary edema. In the further course alteration s in the mechanical properties of the respiratory system, changes in l ung function, pulmonary infections and airway problems are the main re asons for life threatening respiratory failure. Early surgical stabili zation, careful weaning from mechanical ventilation, meticulous search and treatment of infections, aggressive posturing and mobilization an d support of impaired mechanical functions by physiotherapy, muscle tr aining, noninvasive respiratory support and in some cases electrophren ic pacing increase survival and independency of quadriplegic patients.