Avoiding Blood Clots in SCI Patients

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and subsequent pulmonary embolism (PE) can pose a significant risk for patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), most often between the days and weeks following injury and up to 6 months post-injury.

Among multi-trauma patients, those with SCI have the highest risk of venous thromboembolism at 9%. The risk is the highest amount for those with cervical and thoracic SCI. Post SCI Pulmonary emboli incidence is 4.6-14%.¹

Because patients with SCI must remain immobile during the early stages of recovery, this increases the likelihood of a blood clot forming. Injuries to blood vessels may also cause blood clots to form.

Other contributing factors, like obesity, family history of blood clots, or cardiac problems, are also contributing factors to an SCI patient’s risk of developing DVT.

Patients with SCI are at Increased Risk for Blood Clots

Once the initial phase of treatment has passed, it does not mean DVT risk is eliminated, but depending on the nature of the injury the risk may be reduced. Studies show that up to 12% of people with SCI are still at risk three to twelve months following their injury. Quadriplegics are more at risk than paraplegics.

Diagnosing DVT and PE in SCI Patients

Due to the loss of sensation of the limbs, DVT can be more difficult to diagnose in people with SCI, so it’s important to be aware of the symptoms and take preventative measures to reduce the risk of PE.

The signs and symptoms of DVT include:

Throbbing or pain in only one leg
Swelling in one leg
Warmth and/or swelling around the painful area
More frequent episodes of autonomic dysreflexia

The signs and symptoms of PE include:

Dyspnea
Tachypnea
Sudden chest pain
Fainting

Preventing DVT for SCI Patients

In the initial stages of recovery, it’s important to monitor for symptoms of DVT for patients with SCI. Care providers may administer anticoagulants to prevent blood clots from forming, specifically in the days following the injury.

A venous duplex scan may be performed to look for abnormalities in blood flow, as well as find any clots and attempt to collapse them. In some cases, clots will dissolve on their own.

Anticoagulants (blood thinners) may be prescribed for two or three months following injury.

Graduated compression stockings/socks with leg compression pumps are commonly used to apply pressure to the leg and help prevent clots from forming.

Daily wellness routines help prevent blood clots as well. Proper nutrition, exercise/stretching exercises, losing weight, quitting smoking (if applicable), and continued use of compression stockings help reduce the risk of developing DVT.

A patient’s extremities should be inspected daily for:

an increase in venous pattern or circumference
tenderness, pain, or heaviness in the extremities
low-grade fever of an unknown origin

Since patients can sometimes be asymptomatic, it is suggested that health care providers familiarize themselves with all risk factors associated with DVT and SCI.

Disclaimer: The material contained is for reference purposes only. Quest Healthcare, A Division of Quest Products, LLC, does not assume responsibility for patient care. Consult a physician prior to use. Copyright 2021 Quest Healthcare, A Division of Quest Products, LLC.

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