Our discussion forums are available to anyone to read, but you must be a member to reply or start new topics. Log-in or register to get started.

OVER 98% PASS RATE FOR THE NCS, OCS, AND PCS EXAMS › forums › NCS Advantage › Autonomic impairments with SCI

Viewing 1 reply thread
  • Author
    Posts
    • December 17, 2023 at 12:46 pm #489478
      Karen C
      Participant

      Hi,
      Does having a complete or incomplete SCI influence if a person has a spastic or flaccid bowel/bladder or does it just matter if the injury is above the conus medullaris? Not sure why I am getting confused over this point..

    • December 18, 2023 at 11:36 am #489482
      Chrissy Durrough Lugge
      Keymaster

      Hi Karen,

      Both injury completeness and level can impact bowel and bladder function, but your question mostly has to do with level of injury. Injuries above the conus medullaris (upper motor neuron injuries) would cause bowel/bladder spasticity. Injuries distal to the conus medullaris (lower motor neuron injuries) would cause flaccidity.

      Individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries likely have more strength and sensation – and therefore fewer bowel/bladder problems than individuals with complete SCIs.

      Chrissy

  • Author
    Posts
Viewing 1 reply thread
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.