These exist in various forms in most neurological disorders. When muscle paralysis is present the muscle pump action is defective and venous return is reduced. This may not have a noticeable effect if only small groups are affected but if large areas of muscle are paralysed the effect may be great enough to cause oedema and may have the effect of reducing the rate of growth in the child. A peripheral problem of this type also gives rise to autonomic defects involving the control of blood vessels and sweat glands.
Skin changes corresponding to this occur. Atrophy of the skin may develop causing it to become dry, scaly, thin and more vulnerable. Disorders of the spinal cord will interfere with the autonomic control of the blood vessels and may have a general effect on the patient’s ability to give correct blood pressure adjustments. The higher the level of cord injury the more severe the…
