From the Journals

Spinal Cord Injury Tied to Chronic Disease Risk

Traumatic spinal cord injury may carry significant long-term cardiovascular, neurologic, psychiatric, and endocrine risks.

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A multicenter cohort study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that previously healthy patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) carry a 2.5 times higher risk of chronic diseases across multiple organ systems long after the injury. This includes heightened all-cause mortality and increased incidence of conditions such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes, and mental health disorders. The research highlights the need for TSCI to be viewed as a chronic condition necessitating ongoing multidisciplinary management and surveillance.

Original Source(s)

Spinal Cord Injury Tied to Chronic Disease Risk

Traumatic spinal cord injury may carry significant long-term cardiovascular, neurologic, psychiatric, and endocrine risks.

  • by Kathryn Wighton

  • January 12, 2026

  • 3 min

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