Course 2 - Primary Care and Spinal Cord Injury: What Should Family Doctors Know About Blood Pressure?

Are there special issues that primary care doctors should know about people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and their blood pressure (BP)? In a word, yes!! It is common for people with SCI to have different BP rates than the general population. BP spikes, drops, temperature regulation, and sexual function as may be impaired as a result of their SCI; those with injuries at T6 or above are even more at risk for complications.

• After completing the course, you will be able to:  
  • Interpret ‘normal’ blood pressure levels for people with SCI
  • Identify patients who may be at greater risk for blood pressure spikes (Autonomic Dysreflexia, or AD) and drops (Orthostatic Hypotension, or OH)
  • Recognize symptoms of acute AD or OH
  • Apply first-line treatments to resolve acute episodes of AD or OH as well as management options to prevent future episodes