When dealing with spinal cord injuries, what should the consultant's opinion be sought on?

In the context of spinal cord injuries, seeking a consultant's opinion on the use of steroids is critical due to the emerging research on their potential benefits in reducing inflammation and secondary injury following such trauma. High-dose corticosteroids have historically been administered within the first hours after injury to help minimize the extent of spinal cord damage, although recent guidelines and studies have spurred debate about their efficacy and safety. Therefore, consulting a specialist can help determine whether steroid therapy is appropriate for a specific case based on the latest evidence and the individual patient's circumstances.

While immediate surgical intervention, monitoring of vital signs, and administration of antibiotics are all important aspects of management for spinal cord injuries, they are often standard protocols that a skilled critical care team can address independently without needing specialized consultation. Hence, the focus on steroids highlights the nuanced decision-making that requires expert insight given the evolving nature of treatment strategies for spinal cord injury patients.