Expert: John McKinzie - 4/9/2003

Question
If you injure C5 and C6 how would that affect your vital signs( ex. respiratory status, blood pressure, heart rate, etc.) and your gastrointestinal systems.

Answer
Hi Annastacia,
Thank you for your questions.

Yes, any person with a spinal cord injury (SCI) will suffer changes in their vital signs and function of the body's organs.

The blood pressure and heart rate can suffer fluctuations. In my case, my blood pressure has gone to extremes at both ends. Right now, the pressure remains very low (as low as 39/26).

The respiratory system can become suppressed because the patient is breathing through the use their diaphram.

The gastrointestinal system will work in a somewhat normal fashion but the patient will need to learn a bowel regimen due to the fact that they have lost control of their muscles.

Not all SCIs will suffer enormous changes due to the fact that each injury is unique and no two injuries are alike. Some patients do recover fully and experience no changes in their vital signs or bodily functions. However, this is rare.

I hope this answers your question. Feel free to ask me more anytime.

Thanks again,
John McKinzie