
09/22/2025
🧠💥 SCI isn’t just about paralysis.
Many people don’t realize the secondary complications that come with a spinal cord injury like pressure sores, autonomic dysreflexia, chronic pain, and respiratory issues.
The long-term complications can be just as serious — even life-threatening. Here are the leading causes of death after SCI:
1️⃣ Respiratory issues (like pneumonia)
2️⃣ Heart disease
3️⃣ Severe infections (especially UTIs & pressure sores)
4️⃣ Su***de – mental health matters.
5️⃣ Kidney failure
6️⃣ Autonomic dysreflexia – a silent emergency.
These aren’t talked about enough.
➡️ Awareness = prevention.
➡️ Early intervention = better outcomes.