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Spinal Cord injury
Advanced imaging for diagnostic and procedural accuracy
Spinal Cord Injury
A spinal cord injury — damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal (cauda equina) — often causes permanent changes in strength, sensation and other body functions below the site of the injury.
If you’ve recently experienced a spinal cord injury, it might seem like every aspect of your life has been affected. You might feel the effects of your injury mentally, emotionally and socially.
Many scientists are optimistic that advances in research will someday make the repair of spinal cord injuries possible. Research studies are ongoing around the world. In the meantime, treatments and rehabilitation allow many people with spinal cord injuries to lead productive, independent lives.
Signs and symptoms of Spinal cord injury
Inability to move the extremities or walk
Inability to feel pressure, heat, or cold
Muscle spasms
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Difficulty breathing
Risk factors of developing Spinal cord injury
Although a spinal cord injury is usually the result of an accident and can happen to anyone, certain factors may predispose you to a higher risk of sustaining a spinal cord injury, including:
Being male. Spinal cord injuries affect a disproportionate amount of men.
Being between the ages of 16 and 30. You’re most likely to suffer a traumatic spinal cord injury if you’re between the ages of 16 and 30.
Being older than 65. Falls cause most injuries in older adults.
Engaging in risky behavior. Diving into too-shallow water or playing sports without wearing the proper safety gear or taking proper precautions can lead to spinal cord injuries. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries for people under 65.
Causes of spinal cord injury
- Motor vehicle accidents. Auto and motorcycle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries, accounting for almost half of new spinal cord injuries each year.
- Falls. A spinal cord injury after age 65 is most often caused by a fall.
- Acts of violence. Most spinal cord injuries result from violent encounters, often involving gunshot and knife wounds.
- Sports and recreation injuries. Athletic activities, such as impact sports and diving in shallow water etc
- Alcohol. Alcohol use is a factor in about 1 out of every 4 spinal cord injuries.
- Diseases. Cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis and inflammation of the spinal cord also can cause spinal cord injuries.
Treatment of Spinal cord injury
Treatment of SCI begins before the patient is admitted to the hospital. Paramedics or other emergency medical services personnel carefully immobilize the entire spine at the scene of the accident.
Immobilization is continued while more immediate life-threatening problems are identified and addressed. If the patient must undergo emergency surgery because of trauma to the abdomen, chest or another area, immobilization and alignment of the spine are maintained during the operation.
Even if surgery cannot reverse damage to the spinal cord, surgery may be needed to stabilize the spine to prevent future pain or deformity. The surgeon will decide which procedure will provide the greatest benefit to the patient.
You are in Great Hands
Prevention of Spinal cord injuries
Following this advice may reduce your risk of a spinal cord injury:
- Drive safely. Car crashes are one of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries. Wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a car.
- Make sure that your children wear a seat belt or use an age- and weight-appropriate child safety seat. To protect them from airbag injuries.
- Check water depth before diving. To make sure you don’t dive into shallow water, don’t dive into a pool unless it’s 12 feet or deeper.
- Prevent falls. Use a step stool with a grab bar to reach objects in high places. Add handrails along stairways. Put non slip mats on tile floors and in the tub or shower. For young children, use safety gates to block stairs and consider installing window guards.
- Take precautions when playing sports. Always wear recommended safety gear.
- Don’t drink and drive.
Anyone who experiences significant trauma to his or her head or neck needs immediate medical evaluation for the possibility of a spinal injury. In fact, it’s safest to assume that trauma victims have a spinal injury until proved otherwise because:
- A serious spinal injury isn’t always immediately obvious. If it isn’t recognized, a more severe injury may occur.
- Numbness or paralysis may occur immediately or come on gradually as bleeding or swelling occurs in or around the spinal cord.
- The time between injury and treatment can be critical in determining the extent and severity of complications and the possible extent of expected recovery.