Effect of experimental cervical spinal cord injury on respiratory function

Abstract

✓ The effect on respiratory function of crushing the C-4 level of the cervical spinal cord was evaluated in monkeys. Spontaneous respiration ceased immediately after the crush due to direct mechanical trauma, but could be recovered provided a respirator was used and certain areas of the anterolateral columns remained intact. This acute respiratory paralysis occurred even in minimally damaged cords in which most of the anterolateral columns were spared, and led to death due to hypoxia if a respirator was not used. The delayed spinal cord swelling due to edema and centrifugal pressure from an expanding central cord lesion gradually caused delayed respiratory paralysis; durotomy relieved the pressure effects and markedly facilitated recovery.