A C1-C3 spinal injury typically requires what respiratory support?

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High cervical spinal injuries at C1–C3 cut off the main nerve supply to the diaphragm, the primary muscle needed for breathing. When the diaphragm can’t move, the patient can’t generate adequate breaths or clear carbon dioxide on their own, even if oxygen is available. Supplemental oxygen helps with oxygenation but cannot fix the underlying failure to ventilate. A cough assist device helps move secretions but does not provide the breaths needed to maintain blood gas balance. Because of the loss of effective ventilation, mechanical ventilation is typically required to deliver breaths and manage oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.