A physiatrist’s role in managing unique challenges in pregnancy and delivery in a patient with incomplete lumbar sci: a case report

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION Women of childbearing age make up around 5–10% of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and may face unique medical and functional complications during pregnancy,

including prolonged hospitalization and increased risk of early rehospitalization due to falls. CASE PRESENTATION Here, we discuss a case of a young ambulatory woman with a lumbar motor

incomplete spinal cord injury who underwent successful delivery via cesarean section and the role of the physiatrist in the management of the patient’s antepartum, intrapartum, and

postpartum complications. The patient faced significant antepartum challenges secondary to her neurogenic bladder and pelvic floor weakness, resulting in increased use of her manual

wheelchair. The physiatry team assisted with the co-development of a multidisciplinary bladder plan for increased urinary frequency and urinary tract infection prevention with the patient’s

obstetrics physician (OB). In addition, the physiatry team assisted with the procurement of a new wheelchair suited for the patient’s pregnancy and childcare needs in anticipation of

decreased mobility during this time. Regarding intrapartum challenges, the physiatry team worked with the patient and her OB to develop a safe birth plan considering the method of delivery,

epidural usage, and the need for pelvic floor therapy before and after childbirth. DISCUSSION The patient had a successful cesarean section delivery, with return to independent mobility soon

after childbirth. In summary, this case demonstrates that there is a need for a multidisciplinary approach to patients with SCI during pregnancy and that the role of physiatry is critical

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MATERNITY IN A PATIENT WITH OBESITY, INFERTILITY AND TETRAPLEGIA. A CASE REPORT Article 20 January 2024 SUCCESSFUL PREGNANCY AND CESAREAN DELIVERY IN A TETRAPLEGIC,

HOME-INVASIVELY-MECHANICALLY-VENTILATED PATIENT – CASE REPORT Article 28 June 2022 SURGICAL TIMING IN TRAUMATIC SPINAL CORD INJURY: CURRENT PRACTICE AND OBSTACLES TO EARLY SURGERY IN LATIN

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https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.12513. Article  Google Scholar  Download references AUTHOR INFORMATION AUTHORS AND AFFILIATIONS * Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, USA Lauren Hall,

 Connie Hsu, Chloe Slocum & John Lowry * Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA Lauren Hall, Connie Hsu, Chloe Slocum & John

Lowry Authors * Lauren Hall View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar * Connie Hsu View author publications You can also search for this author

inPubMed Google Scholar * Chloe Slocum View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar * John Lowry View author publications You can also search for this

author inPubMed Google Scholar CONTRIBUTIONS LH was responsible for outlining the case report, writing the case report, conducting the literature review, and arranging the report for

publication. CH was responsible for writing the case report and arranging the report for publication. CS and JL provided feedback on the report. CORRESPONDING AUTHOR Correspondence to Lauren

Hall. ETHICS DECLARATIONS COMPETING INTERESTS The authors declare no competing interests. ETHICAL APPROVAL The research did not involve human subjects, human material, or human data and is

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unique challenges in pregnancy and delivery in a patient with incomplete lumbar SCI: a case report. _Spinal Cord Ser Cases_ 10, 40 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-024-00652-3 Download

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