A spinal cord injury can have adverse effects on a variety of functions throughout the body:

• Bladder/bowel control: the brain may not be able to communicate with the bladder or bowels following a spinal cord injury, and changes in control may require new techniques to empty each respectively to avoid infection.
• Skin sensation: without proper sensation, victims may have difficulty detecting pressure, heat, or cold. This can result in subsequent injury.
• Circulatory control: circulatory problems include both high and low blood pressure, as well as increased rates for developing blood clots, pulmonary embolus, and other circulatory disorders.
• Respiratory system: sometimes the location of a spinal cord injury affects control of the abdominal and chest muscles, as well as the diaphragm. The loss of functioning in these muscles can result in labored breathing, lung problems, or pneumonia.
• Muscle tone: without control of the appendages, it is common for spinal cord victims to experience either uncontrolled tightening or motion in the muscles or soft and limp muscles that lack tone or definition.
• Sexual health: men and women may experience changes in sexual function following a spinal cord injury.
• Mental health: changes to the body following a spinal cord injury can be devastating, and depression is a common side effect.