Multidimensional Neuropsychological and Psychosocial Assessment After Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: This systematic review examines the cognitive, neuropsychological, psychological, psychiatric, and psychosocial consequences of spinal cord injury (SCI), with particular emphasis on the domains investigated and the instruments used for their assessment. Although SCI is primarily characterized by motor, sensory, and autonomic impairment, increasing evidence indicates that individuals may also experience cognitive difficulties, emotional distress, psychiatric symptoms, pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, reduced functional independence, and impaired quality of life. However, these domains have often been investigated separately and assessed using heterogeneous instruments, limiting comparability across studies and the development of standardized multidimensional assessment approaches. The aim of this systematic review is to identify the cognitive, neuropsychological, psychological, psychiatric, and psychosocial domains most frequently assessed in individuals with SCI and to examine the instruments used to evaluate them. Secondary aims are to explore associations between these domains and functional independence, pain, fatigue, sleep, social adjustment, and quality of life, and to identify methodological gaps and areas requiring greater standardization. The review includes original human studies involving individuals with SCI and reporting relevant cognitive, psychological, psychiatric, functional, or psychosocial outcomes. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Study selection and data extraction followed predefined eligibility criteria. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tools appropriate to each study design. Given the substantial heterogeneity in study designs, populations, assessment instruments, and outcomes, findings were synthesized narratively. Overall, the review aims to provide an integrated overview of multidimensional assessment practices following SCI and to identify priorities for future research, clinical assessment, and rehabilitation.
Author: ANNA ANSELMO
Language: English
Topic: Spinal Cord Injury Research
Subfield: Clinical Neurology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7204695200