A study published in JAMA Network Open in November reports that traumatic spinal cord injury is associated with higher long‑term risks for neurologic, psychiatric, cardiovascular, and endocrine conditions.
Researchers reviewed medical records from more than 2,700 adults with SCI treated at Mass General Brigham and the University of California health systems, alongside a control group of over 8,000 uninjured patients. Participants were followed for up to 20 years. Cervical injuries were the most common, representing nearly 40% of cases.
Adults with SCI showed increased rates of stroke, dementia, and chronic seizure disorders, as well as higher prevalence of depression, anxiety, psychosis, sleep disorders, and suicidal ideation.
Cardiovascular risks—including hypertension and coronary artery disease—were also elevated, along with endocrine issues such as pituitary dysfunction and adrenal insufficiency.
Several of these chronic conditions, including depression, substance misuse, seizures, dementia, and hypertension, were linked to higher mortality. These findings underscore the need for long‑term, multidisciplinary care and proactive screening to reduce secondary conditions in people with SCI, the study concluded.
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