During the early days of hospitalization, a variety of medications are used to control the extent of damage to the spinal cord, to relieve pain, to treat infections, and to prevent other medical complications. Some of these medications are for acute care only; others may be used for months or years.Recent research has shown that patients who receive intravenous steroids - usually methylprednisolone -in the first few hours after a spinal cord injury recover more function. Steroids reduce inflammation and may improve neurological recovery. They have a number of side effects, however, including changes in mood and thought processes that may require adjustment of the dose. Steroids are used only in the acute (immediate) management of spinal cord injury.Blood thinners such as heparin or enoxaparin are given to prevent blood clots in the large veins of the legs and are usually combined with special stockings that help promote blood flow (as described in the next section). Blood thinners maybe prescribed for several months.Most patients also take stool softeners to make bowel movements easier. Many also take medications to prevent stress ulcers of the stomach - a common consequence of the physical stress of spinal cord injury. Medications (such as ranitidine) that reduce acid production by the stomach can protect against ulcer formation.
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