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Neurological

Stroke Rehabilitation | Spinal Cord Injuries | Peripheral Neuropathies

Spinal Cord Injuries

 

What is Spinal Cord Injury?

The spinal cord is a major nerve bundle, around 18 inches long, extending from the base of the brain to about the waist, carrying nerve impulses from the brain to the rest of the body, and vice versa. Vertebra, a protective ring of bones through which the spinal cord runs, are not infallible. Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) occurs when cells within the spinal cord or the nerves transmitting signals along the cord sustain injury, resulting in the loss of mobility or feeling. Nervous function at and below the injury is impacted

Spinal cord injuries are split into two main classifications:

  • Complete -- bilateral total loss of functionality at and below the point of injury

  • Incomplete – some functionality below the point of injury, usually on one side of the body or bilaterally, but very weakened

What Causes Spinal Cord Injury?

The most common causes of spinal cord injury are:

  • Falls

  • Sports injuries, especially diving injuries

  • Gunshot and knife wounds

  • Car and motorcycle crashes

  • Tumors, infections or blood clots

  • Spina bifida

  • Polio

What Are Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injury?

The location of injury, relative to the 30+ numbered vertebra, determines extent of incapacity. The higher up in the spinal cord the injury occurs, the greater the loss of functionality. 

  • Paralysis

  • Weakness or loss of muscle control

  • Total or partial loss of sensory feeling 

  • Loss of bladder and bowel control

  • Loss of sexual functionality

  • Problems with breathing and swallowing

  • Pain

Treatment for Spinal Cord Injuries

Considered a major medical emergency, treatment must be given immediately or additional damage will occur, especially when fluid builds up around the injured area. 

  • Medications, such as corticosteroids, are used to reduce the swelling

  • Surgery may be necessary to remove broken bone fragments or foreign objects and to stabilize the vertebra

  • Bedrest, allowing the vertebra to heal, and taking pressure off of the area

  • Spinal traction to immobilize the spinal column

  • Extensive, intensive physical and occupational therapy, after the initial injury has healed

  • Psychological intervention to help the patient cope with the injuries

 

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