Dietetics

Spinal cord injury patients have a high risk of using up body energy stores and losing weight and muscle mass, as well as other issues related to a reduced ability to digest food and maintain a healthy immune system. As a result, they are more likely than other patient groups to suffer from pressure sores and skin damage.

Getting the right nutrition can limit loss of muscle mass, help wounds heal, boost the immune system, improve mood, support mobility and generally improve quality of life.

Dietitians work with patients, relatives and staff to optimise food and drink intake or provide adequate nutrition via feeding tubes, modified meals, or special energy drinks when a patient is unable to eat and drink enough.

For further information from the British Dietetic Association on how dietitians work specifically in neuroscience / spinal injuries, please see here:

What do neuroscience dietitians do? | British Dietetic Association (BDA)