Cognitive deficits in spinal cord injury: Epidemiology and outcome

Gary N. Davidoff, Elliot J. Roth*, J. Scott Richards

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

126 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cognitive deficits are common among patients with acute spinal cord injury (SCI), but reported prevalence figures vary because of different methods of study. Factors associated with cognitive deficits in patients with SCI include age, educational background, history of learning disability, chronic alcohol and substance abuse, and concomitant or recurrent traumatic brain injury. Psychologic testing of patients with and without cognitive deficits indicates that impaired psychosocial adjustment and adaptation are more frequent in SCI patients who have evidence of cognitive deficits. Various associations have been found between neuropsychologic test performance and major depression. Cognitive functioning and premorbid educational level appear to be associated with medical stability, the patient's ability to assimilate the necessary skills for survival and adaptation after SCI, and readmission patterns after discharge for initial inpatient rehabilitation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)275-284
Number of pages10
JournalArchives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
Volume73
Issue number3
StatePublished - Mar 1992

Keywords

  • Functional outcome
  • Organic mental disorders
  • Rehabilitation
  • spinal cord injury

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation

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