Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries typically occur because of a blow to the spine, but sometimes they can be caused by an infection called spinal stenosis or a birth defect like spina bifida, where the spine does not form properly. A blow to the spine through trauma such as a fall or car crash can break or dislocate vertebrae, the individual bone segments along the spine. These damaged vertebrae bruise or tear the spinal cord, damaging nerve cells and causing complete or partial paralysis. The higher the injury on the spinal cord, the greater the paralysis; for instance, damage in the neck can paralyze the chest, arms and legs. Damage lower on the spine can paralyze the legs and lower body. Some feeling and movement may return over time depending on the level of injury and the patients muscle strength.
Recently Answered
- Q How do partial spinal cord injuries affect the body?
-
Partial spinal cord injuries can affect the body in a number of ways. In general, there is some loss of sensation, muscle weakness, or an inability to move. When injured, the spinal cord can swell and bleed, causing more acute symptoms. Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What happens when the spinal cord is injured?
-
A spinal cord injury usually begins with a sudden, traumatic blow to the spine that fractures or dislocates the vertebrae. The damage begins at the moment of injury when displaced bone fragments, disc material, or ligaments bruise or tear into spinal... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How does a spinal cord injury affect the rest of the body?
-
People who survive a spinal cord injury will most likely have medical complications such as chronic pain and bladder and bowel dysfunction, along with an increased susceptibility to respiratory and heart problems. Successful recovery depends upon how... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Are partial spinal cord injuries serious?
-
Partial spinal cord injuries are a serious condition that can cause permanent loss of sensation and/or movement. They are so serious that if any damage to the spinal cord is suspected, then immediate medical treatment is recommended. In some cases, the... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What is a CT scan for a spinal cord injury?
-
Computerized tomography is used to give a more detailed diagnosis of the internal organs and is especially useful for imaging bones. Computed tomography (CT) is a well-known diagnostic study, which was used for most complex imaging before MRI became... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How are partial spinal cord injuries diagnosed?
-
An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is the best way to diagnose a partial spinal cord injury. Another type of scanning, called computed tomography (CT), is also an option. If the injury is to the spine itself, either x-rays or a CT scan can be used to... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What are the immediate treatments for spinal cord Injury?
-
The outcome of any injury to the spinal cord depends upon the number of axons that survive: the higher the number of normally functioning axons, the less the amount of disability. Consequently, the most important consideration when moving people to a... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q What increases my risk for a partial spinal cord injury?
-
A number of behaviors increase your risk for partial spinal cord injury. Driving increases your risk, as motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of all spinal injuries. Certain sports or recreational activities can increase your risk of injuring... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Who is most at risk for partial spinal cord injuries?
-
Men are at the most risk for partial spinal cord injuries. Men suffer four out of every five spinal cord injuries. This may be in part because of risky behaviors that are more associated with men than women, such as playing contact sports or using... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What is the rate of incidence for partial spinal cord injuries?
-
Approximately 12,000 new spinal cord injuries occur in the United States each year. That is about 40 cases for every million U.S. citizens. Young adults are most likely to be affected with the majority of injuries occurring between the ages of 16 and 30.... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
