Non-traumatic spinal cord injury: less well known causes and the challenges for nurses

Patients with non-traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) are encountered in increasing numbers in rehabilitation units. This article discusses some lesser known causes of non-traumatic SCI which include inflammatory disease, tumours, vascular disease, spinal stenosis and syringomyelia. The demographic and clinical pattern of non-traumatic SCI differs from that of traumatic SCI. This article addresses the challenges to nurses and other members of the healthcare team to provide individualized care and rehabilitation for patients who have an SCI plus an associated disease or condition.