Complications  of the Bowel Following a Spinal Cord Injury

Bowel Care and Management Sections

•    Function of the Bowel
•    The Reflex and Flaccid Bowel
•    Methods of Bowel Management and Care
•    Possible Complications Following a Spinal Cord Injury

Autonomic Dysreflexia

Autonomic Dysreflexia, sometimes called hyperreflexia, can occur in those with a spinal cord injury at or above the T6 level. Autonomic Dysreflexia occurs when there is an irritation, pain, or stimulus to the nervous system below the level of injury. The irritated area sends a signal to the brain but it is not able to reach the brain. A reflex action takes place, tightening blood vessels, causing the blood pressure to rise. If the high blood pressure is not controlled it may cause a stroke, seizure, or death.

Common Signs or Symptoms of Autonomic Dysreflexia are:

•    High blood pressure.
•    Seeing spots or blurred visions.
•    Pounding headache.
•    Nasal congestion.
•    Flushed face.
•    Red blotching on the neck and chest.
•    Sweating above level of injury.
•    Goose bumps.
•    Cool, clammy skin.
•    Nausea.

Check Bowel to see if there is sign of constipation or impaction? This can stretch the bowel. Is there stool in the rectum? Apply numbing medication (xylocaine jelly) and wait 5 minutes. Remove stool gently. Keep stool as soft as possible.

Constipation

Constipation is one of the most common digestive disorders. It's symptoms vary greatly between different people, as each person's bowel movements differ. The rate of defecation is not in itself a problem, as infrequent defecation without problems is not abnormal. In common constipation, the stool is hard and difficult to pass. Straining to pass stool may cause hemorrhoids and anal fissures. In later stages of constipation, the abdomen may become distended and diffusely tender and crampy, occasionally with enhanced bowel sounds.

Signs of Constipation:

•    Hard, loose or watery stools.
•    Irregular bowel movements.
•    No bowel movement in several bowel routines.
•    Swollen or hard stomach.
•    Lack of appetite.

Causes:

•    Not drinking enough fluids.
•    Not maintaining a scheduled bowel program.
•    Not eating a diet with plenty of fiber.
•    Lack of activity.
•    Some medications: Narcotics, iron, and certain anti-acids.

Possible Remedies:

•    Eat more fibre
•    Drink more fluids
•    Change diet to include more vegetables and fruit
•    Avoid constipating foods such as diets heavy in cheese, bananas, meat etc.
•    Check medication guidlines for side effects of constipation
•    Increase bowel routines, reduce time/days between bowel programs

Laxatives should only be used as a last resort, as they will most probably cause bowel accidents, especially in those with flaccid bowels.

Impaction

A fecal impaction is a large mass of dry, hard stool that develops in the rectum due to chronic constipation. This mass may be so hard that it cannot come out of the body. Watery stool from higher in the bowel may move around the mass and leak out, causing soiling.

To remove the stool, a gloved, lubricated finger should be used to gently remove the impacted stool from the rectum. If unsuccessful, a doctor should be contacted.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are veins in your rectum and anus that become enlarged (swollen). This can be caused by hard, constipated stools, and straining or pressure when having bowel movements. To prevent hemorrhoids, drink plenty of fluids and stay active. Sitting on a gel or air cushion can keep your hemorrhoids from getting larger and also can help prevent bed sores. Tell caregivers about your hemorrhoids. They may order medicines or suggest other ways to treat them.

Rectal Bleeding

Blood in your stools can be caused by several things. Doing digital stimulation too roughly can injure your rectum and cause bleeding. Make sure you perform digital stimulation carefully and use enough lubricating jelly. Make sure your fingernails are short. Hemorrhoids may bleed when stools move past them. Use more lubricating jelly if your hemorrhoids are swollen. Avoid straining when having bowel movements. Using stool softener medicine, drinking enough water, and eating a high-fiber diet can help prevent rectal bleeding.

Read Next Section

Function of the Bowel
The Reflex and Flaccid Bowel
Methods of Bowel Management and Care
Possible Complications Following a Spinal Cord Injury