Journal of Spine

Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction and Management After Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Damien Debatisse*

People who have had a spinal cord injury (SCIs) often experience problems with their bowels. These include constipation, faecal incontinence, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and gas. Bowel problems can cause serious health issues such as dehydration, malnutrition, weight loss and skin breakdown. This paper will discuss the anatomy and physiology of the gut, how it works and what happens after an injury to the spinal cord. It will also explain the latest guidelines for assessing and managing people with neurogenic bowel.