Bedsores common in patients with spinal cord injuries 

Trapped in a bed, unable to feel, function, or move, a patient with a spinal cord injury is completely dependent on hospital or healthcare staff.  In today’s age of overcrowded and understaffed facilities, it is no surprise that many immobile, unfeeling patients develop ulcers on their bodies.  These spots, commonly referred to as bedsores, begin as a small nuisance and can end in deadly infection.  If a healthcare professional has been trained correctly, and he or she is doing what is required, a paralyzed patient should never have to suffer from these terrible ulcers.

What is a pressure ulcer?

The development of a bedsore, also known as a decubitus ulcer, occurs when someone sits or lies in the same position for too long.  Usually a person can feel when an area on their body ‘goes to sleep’, or tingles from a lack of blood flow, but when a patient has a spinal cord injury, they may not be able to feel the affected area.  Stroke victims and people in comas are also susceptible to these intense ulcers, but cannot communicate what they feel.  Even with reported repositioning and care, bedsores may still develop.

Stages of skin ulcers vary

If a patient is not being moved regularly, and is not being cared for properly, early pressure ulcers are hard to spot.  The first stage is red or discolored skin which takes more than thirty minutes to clear.  Stage two is a shallow, open sore which may not drain properly.  If this is not treated, the sore will enter into stage three.  This means that the sore goes past the first layer of skin, deep in the tissue.  Stage four, the most dangerous and painful, consists of a wound deep enough to damage muscle or even bone.

Pressure ulcer care is vital

Bedsore treatment depends on the stage of the bedsore.  Most hospital or nursing home staff members should be educated on both the stages and the various options to treat them.  Initially, the patient should be moved regularly to keep blood flow steady.  Also, nurses and aids must maintain good hygiene for any patients that cannot help themselves.  When a sore appears, it must be cleaned and dressed regularly.  Beyond stage two, all wounds should be inspected and treated by a doctor.  Unfortunately, sometimes a stage four ulcer is impossible to repair without surgery. 

Prevent painful injury

It is easy to prevent pressure ulcers from forming.  Hospitals must offer patients with spinal cord injuries extra assistance.  Special equipment should be available to help if a sore begins to form.  Also, patients that are more likely to have skin ulcers need to be kept on a very healthy diet.  If hospital or care staff is well-educated and attentive, patients should never have to worry about developing bedsores.