Temperature regulation in paraplegia

Abstract

Patients with transection of the spinal cord run the risk of hypothermia or hyperpyrexia. They have lost the ability to shiver below the somatic level of their lesion. Heat loss mechanisms are also interrupted, the loss being complete below the autonomic dermatome level affected. Piloerection can occur below the level of the lesion; some vasoconstriction and vasodilatation can also occur below the level of the lesion in response to change in ambient temperature. Studies of paraplegics have allowed a greater understanding of human temperature regulation. © 1971 International Spinal Cord Society. All Rights Reserved.