A 35-year-old man got an injury that caused complete disruption of spinal cord at the level of the first cervical segment. What respiration changes will be observed?

Answer options

1. It will come to a standstill
2. Diaphragmal respiration will be maintained, thoracic respiration will disappear
3. No changes will be observed
4. Thoracic respiration will be maintained, diaphragmal respiration will disappear
5. It will become infrequent and deep

Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to an impairment of the respiratory system. Cervical SCI often leads to an interruption of the descending bulbospinal respiratory pathways, resulting in respiratory muscle paresis and/or paralysis; the more rostral the level of the injury, the greater the likelihood that a major respiratory impairment will occur. The primary cause of death after SCI, regardless of the level of injury, is caused by respiratory insufficiency and complications associated with impaired respiratory function.