It more often affects older people than traumatic SCI; patterns vary by cause and location. Research data have gaps, so proportions from individual studies may not generalize widely.
Symptoms may develop rapidly or gradually, and some disabilities remain less visible. Incomplete injury and paraplegia are more common than in traumatic SCI. Walking ability does not remove other SCI-related challenges.
Rehabilitation overlaps with traumatic SCI care, while treatment also addresses the underlying condition. Education, complication prevention, and physical and occupational therapy remain central components.
