Management of acute central cervical spinal cord injuries

Abstract

Standards: There is insufficient evidence to support treatment standards.

Guidelines: There is insufficient evidence to support treatment guidelines.

Options: Intensive care unit (or other monitored setting) management of patients with acute central cervical spinal cord injuries, particularly patients with severe neurological deficits, is recommended. Medical management, including cardiac, hemodynamic, and respiratory monitoring, and maintenance of mean arterial blood pressure at 85 to 90 mmHg for the first week after injury to improve spinal cord perfusion is recommended. Early reduction of fracture-dislocation injuries is recommended. Surgical decompression of the compressed spinal cord, particularly if the compression is focal and anterior, is recommended.