Suprapubic Catheter (SPC)

A suprapubic catheter is an indwelling catheter inserted directly into your bladder.  It bypasses the urethra and goes in via a small surgical incision made just above the pubic area.  This operation is easily reversible, as the hole will begin to close up within 24 hours if the catheter is left out, just like an ear piercing.

Autonomic dysreflexia

All people with tetraplegia or a spinal cord injury above T6, can suffer from Autonomic dysreflexia (also known as hyper-reflexia).This is a condition of sudden high blood pressure which may continue to rise and may cause a brain haemorrhage or fits.  The normal BP for this group of people is commonly 90/60 - 100/60mm Hg lying and lower when sitting.  A BP of 130/90mm Hg is, therefore, high for them.  If untreated, the BP can rapidly rise to extreme levels, eg 220/140 mm Hg.

Autonomic Dysrefleia occurs when the nervous system receives pain or over-stimulation sensory messages from a paralysed part of the body.  The most common triggers of dysreflexia are sensory messages from an over-full bowel or bladder. It can also happen during sexual activity.

Intermittent catheterisation (IMC)

Intermittent catheterisation is done by passing a small tube (catheter) through the urethra (passage to the bladder) into the bladder.  The urine is then drained out of the bladder into a container.  When the bladder is empty the catheter is removed. 

Paraplegic

Impairment of motor and/or sensory function in the thoracic, lumber or sacral segments of the spinal cord. Arms are spared but trunk and legs may be affected.  May be complete or incomplete injuries.

Quadraplegic/ Tetraplegic

Impairment of motor and/or sensory function in the cervical segments of the spinal cord.  Arms, trunk and legs may be affected.  May be complete or incomplete injuries.

Cauda Equina Injury

Injury to the lower part of the spinal cord (cauda equina) causing a lower motor neuron presentation (flaccid paralysis).  This part of the spinal cord usually starts around T12/L1, so injuries at this level may have a mixed picture.