In severe cases, spondylitis can lead to quadriplegia, prolonged bed rest or even death in a short period of time.
Spondylitis is an inflammatory disease of the spinal cord caused by an immune response or infection. It often manifests as weakness and numbness in both lower limbs or all four limbs, chest pain in the corresponding parts of the lesion, and in severe cases, paralysis of the limbs below the level of the lesion, sensory disturbances, and respiratory difficulties in those with high cervical cord involvement.
The prognosis of spondylitis depends on the extent of the lesion, comorbidities, and timely treatment. The prognosis is poorer in the presence of pressure sores, and in the presence of lung or urinary tract infections, which may leave sequelae or even lead to death due to complications.
Even in the absence of serious complications, some severely ill patients may develop persistent paralysis leading to prolonged bed rest. In addition, if the spinal cord infection spreads to the higher spinal cord, it can affect the patient’s breathing and cause death due to respiratory failure in a short period of time.
Patients with spondylitis must actively cooperate with their doctors, and after stabilization of their condition, they need to insist on rehabilitation training, as well as preventing infections and relapses.