Keywords

elderly, geriatric, spinal cord injury, trauma

 

Authors

  1. Lovasik, Darlene RN, MN, CCRN, CNRN

Abstract

The most common cause of spinal cord injury (SCI) in older persons is falls, followed by motor vehicle crashes and pedestrian/motor vehicle crashes. Upper cervical injuries, particularly central cord syndrome, are prominent in the geriatric patient population. In addition, the mortality is higher, the complications are life threatening, the hospital stay is longer, and the cost of care is significantly increased for the older trauma victim.