Spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when a traumatic event results in damage to cells in the spinal cord or severs the nerve tracts that relay signals up and down the spinal cord. Spinal cord injuries often cause permanent changes in strength, sensation and other body functions below the site of the injury.
The most common types of spinal cord injury include
- Contusion (bruising of the spinal cord)
- Compression (caused by pressure on the spinal cord)
Other types of spinal cord injury include lacerations (severing or tearing of nerve fibers) and central cord syndrome (specific damage to the cervical region of the spinal cord).
Spinal cord injuries occur in approximately 12,000 to 15,000 people per year in the U.S. About 10,000 of these people are permanently paralyzed, and many of the rest die as a result of their injuries. Young, healthy, and active males between the ages of 15 and 35 are most often the victims of spinal cord trauma.
Only about five percent of spinal cord injuries occur in children. The fatality rate is higher with pediatric spine injuries.
Symptoms of a spinal cord injury will vary depending on the severity
- Difficulty walking
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of motor control
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Feelings of spreading numbness or tingling in the extremities
- Unconsciousness
- Headaches
- Difficulty breathing, coughing
- Back pain
- Pain or stiffness in the neck
Causes
- Trauma
- Traffic Accidents
- Sports-related injuries
- Work-related mishaps
- Physical battery
- Any sudden and severe shock to the spinal cord.
- There is a wide variety of spinal injuries that can cause spinal cord trauma. In fact, even a relatively minor injury can result in spinal cord trauma, especially if the spinal cord is compressed or unstable.
- The most common causes of serious spinal cord injury occur following trauma. In this situation, the bones of the spine may fracture or the discs may be dislodged leading to trauma to the delicate spinal cord that is surrounded by the bone and discs of the spine.
- Fluid accumulation, bleeding, and swelling can occur either inside or outside the spinal cord (but still within the spinal canal). This accumulation of fluid or blood can damage the spinal cord through compression.
Risk Factors
- Old age
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Balance problems or clumsiness
- Sex- Spinal cord injuries occur more often in men
- Engaging in risky behavior
Prevention
- Avoiding falls
- Safe driving
- Take proper precautions when playing sports- safety equipment and tackling form
Diagnosis
- Your doctor will discuss your symptoms, review your medical history, and perform a thorough physical examination of your back.
- Neurological exam
- Imaging such as x-ray, CT Scan and MRI
Treatment
- Treatment begins with the emergency medical personnel who make an initial evaluation and immobilize the patient for transport. Immediate medical care within the first 8 hours following injury can be critical to the patient's recovery.
- When injury occurs and for a period of time thereafter, the spinal cord responds by swelling. Treatment starts with steroid drugs such as methylprednisolone. These drugs reduce inflammation in the injured area and help to prevent further damage to cellular membranes that can cause nerve death. Sparing nerves from further damage and death is crucial.
- Each patient's injury is unique. Some patients require surgery to stabilize the spine, correcting any misalignment and removing compression to the spinal cord caused by bone or disc that presses on the injured cord. Spinal stabilization can also be important to prevent further damage in the future.
