ABSTRACT

With a spinal cord transection at C6, patients may have impaired upperairway protective reflexes with poor clearance of secretions. Vital capacity, respiratory muscle power and arterial oxygenation are decreased whilst residual volume and PaCO2 are increased. Respiratory complications such as bronchopneumonia, pulmonary oedema and pulmonary embolism may occur. Phrenic nerve function will be preserved in this patient, and hence diaphragmatic function, as the origin of the phrenic nerve comes from C3 to C5.