Spinal cord injury (paraplegic): When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have signs of a common problem called autonomic dysreflexia and the symptoms do not go away after 20 minutes. These include:
- A pounding headache.
- A flushed face or red patches on your skin above the level of the spinal injury.
- Sweating above the level of the spinal injury.
- Nausea.
- Slow heart rate.
- Cold, clammy skin above the level of the spinal injury.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from an incision.
- Pus draining from an incision.
- A fever.
- You need help with urination and bowel movements.
- You have cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
- You have pressure injuries.
- You feel hopeless and depressed.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.