SPINAL CORD INJURY

I.Overview
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.
II. Symptoms
The ability to control your limbs after a spinal cord injury depends on two factors: the
place of injury along your spinal cord and the severity of injury to the spinal cord. The lowest
normal part of your spinal cord is referred to as the neurological level of your injury. The
severity of the injury is often called "the completeness"
A complete injury is when all feeling and all ability to control movement are lost. An incomplete
injury is when you still have some motor and sensory function below the affected area

Additionally, paralysis from a spinal cord injury may be referred as:

 Tetraplegia. Also known as quadriplegia, this means that your arms, hands, trunk, legs and
pelvic organs are all affected by your spinal cord injury.
 Paraplegia. This paralysis affects all or part of the trunk, legs and pelvic organs.
III. Causes
It can be caused by trauma, a sudden blow to the spinal column that fractures, dislocates,
crushes or compresses one or more of your vertebrae. Like a result of a knife wound or gunshot
wound to the spine. Additional damage usually occurs over days or weeks because of bleeding,
swelling, inflammation and fluid accumulation in and around your spinal cord.

A nontraumatic spinal cord injury may be caused by arthritis, cancer, inflammation, infections or
disk degeneration of the spine.

IV. Risk Factors

The following are the risk factors:

 Being male. Spinal cord injuries affect a disproportionate number of men. In fact, females
account for only about 20% of traumatic spinal cord injuries in the United States.
 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. The average age at time of injury is 43
years.
 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.
 Having a bone or joint disorder. A relatively minor injury can cause a spinal cord injury
if you have another disorder that affects your bones or joints, such as arthritis or
osteoporosis.
V. Treatment

 Medications. Intravenous (IV) methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol) has been used as a

treatment option for an acute spinal cord injury in the past. But recent research has shown
that the potential side effects, such as blood clots and pneumonia, from using this
medication outweigh the benefits. Because of this, methylprednisolone is no longer
recommended for routine use after a spinal cord injury.

 Immobilization. You may need traction to stabilize your spine, to bring the spine into
proper alignment or both. In some cases, a rigid neck collar may work. A special bed also
may help immobilize your body.
 Surgery. Often surgery is necessary to remove fragments of bones, foreign objects,
herniated disks or fractured vertebrae that appear to be compressing the spine. Surgery may
also be needed to stabilize the spine to prevent future pain or deformity.

 Experimental treatments. Scientists are trying to figure out ways to stop cell death,
control inflammation and promote nerve regeneration. For example, doctors may lower the
body temperature significantly — a condition known as hypothermia — for 24 to 48 hours
to help prevent damaging inflammation. Ask your doctor about the availability of such
treatments.