040 68334455
WhatsApp
Patient Portal
Home Care
What Is Spinal Cord Injuries? Causes, Symptoms
A spinal cord injury occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord, resulting in a disruption of the normal communication between the brain and the rest of the body. This can happen due to various reasons such as trauma from accidents, falls, or sports injuries. The spinal cord plays a crucial role in transmitting messages from the brain to different parts of the body, so any injury to it can have significant consequences. Understanding the causes of spinal cord injuries can help in taking preventive measures to reduce the risk of such injuries.
What Are the Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries
- Numbness or tingling in the arms, legs, or torso can be a symptom of a spinal cord injury, causing a loss of sensation in those areas.
- Difficulty moving limbs or walking due to weakness or paralysis might indicate a spinal cord injury, impacting mobility and coordination.
- Intense back or neck pain after an injury or accident could be a sign of spinal cord damage, resulting in discomfort and limited movement.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control without a known cause may suggest a spinal cord injury affecting nerve signals to these organs.
- Difficulty breathing, coughing, or clearing secretions may occur with a spinal cord injury at the neck level, impacting respiratory function.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms after a traumatic injury. Early treatment is crucial for better outcomes.
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
Get Second OpinionCauses of Spinal Cord Injuries
Other causes include violence, such as gunshot wounds, and medical conditions like tumors or infections that compress the spinal cord. Additionally, non-traumatic causes like degenerative diseases and autoimmune disorders can also lead to spinal cord injuries. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for better outcomes.
- Motor vehicle accidents, such as car crashes or motorcycle collisions, can cause spinal cord injuries due to the force and impact involved.
- Falls from heights, especially in older adults or construction workers, can result in spinal cord damage when the person lands on their back or head.
- Sports injuries, particularly in contact sports like football or rugby, can lead to spinal cord trauma from tackles, falls, or collisions with other players.
- Acts of violence, like gunshot wounds or stabbings, can directly damage the spinal cord and surrounding structures, causing severe injury.
- Medical conditions such as tumors, infections, or degenerative diseases like spinal stenosis can put pressure on the spinal cord, leading to injury or compression.
Types Of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can be classified into two main types: complete and incomplete.These distinctions help healthcare providers determine the extent of damage and plan appropriate treatment for patients with spinal cord injuries.
- Complete Spinal Cord Injury: This type of injury results in total loss of sensation and motor function below the level of the injury, leading to paralysis. It is typically caused by a severe impact or trauma to the spinal cord.
- Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: In this type of injury, there is some remaining function and sensation below the level of the injury. The extent of impairment can vary, depending on the location and severity of the damage to the spinal cord.
- Anterior Cord Syndrome: This specific type of spinal cord injury affects the front portion of the spinal cord. It often leads to loss of motor function and sensation, while preserving some degree of proprioception (awareness of body positioning).
Risk Factors
Men are more likely to sustain these injuries than women, with young adults and older individuals also at increased risk. Engaging in risky behaviors, such as driving under the influence or not wearing a seatbelt, can also contribute to the likelihood of spinal cord injury.
- Participation in high-impact sports such as football, rugby, or gymnastics can increase the risk of sustaining a spinal cord injury due to the physical nature of these activities.
- Motor vehicle accidents, especially those involving high speeds or severe impacts, are a common cause of spinal cord injuries as the force of the collision can damage the spinal cord.
- Falls from significant heights, such as from a ladder or a roof, can result in spinal cord injuries, particularly if the individual lands on their back or head.
- Engaging in risky behaviors like diving into shallow water or performing stunts without proper safety precautions can lead to spinal cord injuries if the individual lands incorrectly.
- Medical conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, or cancer.
Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.
Schedule Your Appointment
Diagnosis of Spinal Cord Injuries
Doctors may also use neurological tests to evaluate nerve function. Prompt diagnosis is crucial for determining the extent of the injury and planning treatment. If you experience any signs of a spinal cord injury, seek medical help immediately for proper evaluation and care.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is commonly used to diagnose spinal cord injuries by providing detailed images of the spinal cord and surrounding structures.
- Computed Tomography (CT) scans may be utilized to assess the extent of damage to the spinal cord and detect fractures or dislocations of the vertebrae.
- X-rays are often performed to visualize the bony structures of the spine and identify any fractures or other abnormalities that may be present.
- Electromyography (EMG) tests can help evaluate nerve function and detect any abnormalities in the electrical activity of muscles associated with the spinal cord injury.
- Myelography involves injecting a contrast dye into the spinal canal and taking X-rays to highlight any abnormalities.
Treatment for Spinal Cord Injuries
Treatment options for spinal cord injuries may include medication, surgery, physical therapy, and assistive devices. The goal is to maximize function and quality of life after a spinal cord injury.
- Surgery may be necessary to stabilize the spine, remove any bone fragments or foreign objects, and relieve pressure on the spinal cord caused by swelling or herniated discs in cases of spinal cord injuries.
- Physical therapy plays a crucial role in spinal cord injury treatment by helping patients regain strength, mobility, and independence through targeted exercises and rehabilitation techniques tailored to their specific needs.
- Medications such as corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and swelling around the spinal cord, potentially minimizing further damage and improving outcomes following a spinal cord injury.
- Assistive devices like wheelchairs, braces, or walkers can enhance mobility and quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries by providing support and enabling greater independence in daily
Still have questions? Speak with our experts now!
040-68334455Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common signs of spinal cord injuries?
Common signs of spinal cord injuries include paralysis, loss of sensation, difficulty breathing, and loss of bladder or bowel control.
Are there specific things I should or shouldn't do when dealing with spinal cord injuries?
Do: Seek medical help, keep the person still, and stabilize their head.
How can spinal cord injuries affect the body in the long term?
Spinal cord injuries can cause long-term paralysis, loss of sensation, impaired bodily functions, chronic pain, and respiratory problems.
What are the best ways to manage spinal cord injuries?
Treatment may include medications, surgery, physical therapy, and assistive devices. Rehabilitation aims to improve function and quality of life.
Are there any signs that spinal cord injuries might recur after treatment?
Spinal cord injuries can recur if the initial injury was not properly treated or if there is a new trauma to the spine. Symptoms may include pain, weakness, or changes in sensation.
Feeling unwell?
Request a callback!
