Description

A spinal cord injury involves damage to any part of the spinal cord. You can also include damage to the nerves at the end of the spinal cord known as the cauda equina. The spinal cord sends and receives signals between the brain and the rest of the body. A spinal cord injury often causes permanent changes in strength, sentiment, and other body functions below the site of injury.

People who have had a spinal cord injury may also experience mental, emotional and social side effects.

Many scientists are optimistic that advances in research of some day to make the repair of spinal cord injuries as possible. Research studies are going on all over the world. Meanwhile, treatment, and rehabilitation allow many people with spinal cord injuries to lead productive, independent life.

Symptoms

The ability to control arms or legs after a spinal cord injury depends on two factors. One of the factors is where the injury occurred in the spinal cord. The other factor is the severity of the injury.

The lower part of the spinal cord is not damaged after an injury is referred to as the neurological level of the injury. "Integrity" of the injury refers to how much feeling, known as the sensation, is lost. Integrity is classified as:

  • Complete. If all feeling and all the ability to control the movement are lost below the injury of the spinal cord, the injury is called complete.
  • Incomplete. If some of the feel and control of movement to stay below the affected area, the injury is called incomplete. There are different grades of incomplete injuries.

Loss of sensation and control of movement is known as paralysis. The paralysis from a spinal cord injury can be referred to as:

  • Quadriplegia, 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 a portion of the trunk, legs and pelvic organs, but not the arms.

Your health care team, performs a series of tests to determine the neurological level and extent of the injury.

Spinal cord injuries can cause the following symptoms:

  • The loss of movement.
  • Loss or a change in sensation. This includes a change in the ability to feel heat, cold and touch.
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control.
  • Exaggerated reflex activities or spasms.
  • Changes in sexual function, sexual sensitivity and fertility.
  • Pain or an intense burning sensation caused by damage to the nerve fibers in the spinal cord.
  • Difficulty breathing, coughing, or clearing secretions from the lungs.

Emergency symptoms

Emergency symptoms of a spinal cord injury after an accident are:

  • Extreme back pain or pressure in the neck, head or back.
  • Weakness, lack of coordination, or loss of control in any part of the body.
  • Numbness, tingling or loss of feeling in the hands, fingers, feet or toes.
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control.
  • Problems with balance and walking.
  • Difficulty breathing after injury.
  • A twisting of the neck or back.

When to see a doctor

Any person who has a lesion on the head or the neck needs immediate medical evaluation. It is prudent to assume that the person has a spinal injury until proven otherwise. This is important because:

  • A serious spinal injury is not always obvious. If there is a spinal cord injury occurs, but it is not known what is worse, injuries can occur.
  • Numbness or paralysis may occur quickly or gradually.
  • The time between injury and treatment can be critical. The learning level of the lesion can help determine the possible recovery.

If you suspect that someone has a back or neck injury:

  • Do not move the injured person. Permanent paralysis and other serious complications.
  • Call 911 or local emergency medical help.
  • Keep the person still.
  • Put towels on both sides of the neck. Or hold the head and neck to prevent shifting of emergency until medical help arrives.
  • Provide basic first aid, such as to stop the bleeding and to make the person comfortable, without moving the head or neck.

Causes

Spinal cord injuries can be the result of damage to the spinal cord or to the bones surrounding the spinal cord, known as the vertebrae. The lesions may also occur as a result of damage to the ligaments or disks of the spinal column.

A sudden, traumatic blow to the spine can fracture, dislocation, crush or compress one or more of the vertebrae. A bullet or a knife wound that penetrates and cuts the spinal cord also may cause an injury of the spinal cord.

The additional damage that typically occurs over the course of days or weeks. This is due to bleeding, swelling, and fluid accumulation in and around the spinal cord after an injury.

Other causes of spinal cord injury are not the trauma. Arthritis, cancer, inflammation, infection, or disk degeneration of the spine can be the possible causes.

The brain and the central nervous system

The central nervous system includes the brain and the spinal cord. The spinal cord is made of soft fabric and is surrounded by bones called vertebrae. It extends from the base of the brain and containing nerve cells and groups of nerves called the jungle. Tracts go to different parts of your body.

The lower end of the spinal cord stops a little above the waist in the region called the cone spinal cord. Below this region is a group of nerve roots called the cauda equina.

Tracts of the spinal cord carry messages between the brain and the rest of your body. Motor tracts carry signals from your brain to control muscle movement. Sensory tracts carry signals from the body parts of their brain related to heat, cold, pressure, pain, and the position of their arms and legs.

The damage to the nerve fibers

If the cause is traumatic or non-traumatic spinal cord injury affects the nerve fibers that passes through the injured area. This can affect a part or all of the muscles and nerves below the injury site.

An injury on the chest or in the lower back can affect the trunk, the legs, bowel, bladder and sexual function. A neck injury affects the same areas in addition to the movements of the arms and, possibly, the ability to breathe.

The common causes of spinal cord injuries

The most common causes of spinal cord injuries in the united States are:

  • Motor-vehicle accidents. Auto and motorcycle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries. They represent almost half of the new spinal cord injuries each year.
  • Falls. A spinal cord injury after the age of 65 years is most often caused by a fall.
  • The acts of violence. About 12% of spinal cord injuries a result of the violent encounters, usually from gunshot wounds. Knife wounds are also common.
  • Sports and recreation injuries. The sports activities, such as impact sports and diving in shallow water, the cause of about 10% of the lesions of the spinal cord.
  • Diseases. Cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis and inflammation of the spinal cord can also cause lesions in the spinal cord.

Risk factors

A spinal cord injury usually is the result of an accident can happen to anyone. But certain factors can increase the risk of having an injury of the spinal cord, including:

  • The fact of being a man. Injuries of the spinal cord in large measure affecting men. In fact, women account for only about 20% of the traumatic injuries of the spinal cord in the united States.
  • Between the ages of 16 and 30 years. More than half of the injuries of the spinal cord occur in people in this age range.
  • Be over the age of 65 years. Another peak of spinal cord injury occurs at the age of 65. Falls cause the majority of injuries in older adults.
  • The consumption of Alcohol. The use of Alcohol is involved in approximately 25% of the traumatic injuries of the spinal cord.
  • Participation in risk behaviors. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries to persons under the age of 65 years. Other risk behaviors include diving in shallow water and play sports without the use of safety equipment or to take the proper precautions.
  • Having certain diseases. A minor injury can cause a spinal cord injury, if you have a condition that affects the joints or bones, such as osteoporosis.

Complications

A spinal cord injury can lead to many complications. Your rehabilitation team helps to develop tools to deal with these complications. The team also recommends that the team and the resources to promote their quality of life and independence. Areas affected often include:

  • The control of the bladder.The bladder continues to store the urine from the kidneys after injury of the spinal cord. But the injury can interfere with the brain and the reception of the messages that you need to control the bladder. Changes in the control of the bladder increase the risk of urinary tract infections. The changes can also cause kidney infections and bladder or kidney stones. During rehabilitation, you can learn ways to help empty the bladder.
  • The control of the intestines. The stomach and intestines of a lot of work as they did before the injury, but the control of bowel movements is often altered. A diet high in fiber can help regulate the intestines. You can also learn ways to help control their bowels.
  • Pressure injuries.Below the neurological level of the injury, you may have lost some or all of the sensations on the skin. Therefore, your skin can't send a message to your brain when it is injured by certain things, such as the long-term pressure. This can increase the risk of developing pressure ulcers. Change position often — with the assistance, if necessary, can help to prevent ulcers. Skin care can also help prevent pressure ulcers.
  • Circulatory control.People with a lesion of the spinal cord may have low blood pressure when they stand up, known as orthostatic hypotension. There may also be swelling in the arms and legs. This can increase the risk of developing blood clots, such as deep venous thrombosis or a pulmonary embolism. Another problem with the circulatory system of control is a potentially dangerous increase in blood pressure, known as autonomic dysreflexia. Your rehabilitation team can teach you how to resolve these issues if they affect you.
  • The respiratory system.If the injury affects the stomach and the muscles of the chest, it can be difficult to breathe and cough. The neurological level of injury determines what type of breathing problems you may have. If the injury affects your neck and chest, which might have an increased risk of pneumonia or other diseases of the lungs. Medication and therapy can be useful for the treatment and prevention.
  • The bone density. A lesion of the spinal cord increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures below the level of the injury.
  • The muscle tone. Some people with spinal cord injuries have a hardening or movement in the muscles, known as spasticity. Others may have soft and flabby muscles, poor muscle tone, known as the sagging.
  • The Fitness and wellness.Weight loss and slimming muscle are common after a spinal cord injury. Due to the limited mobility can lead to a more sedentary lifestyle, there is a risk of weight gain, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. A dietitian can help you eat a nutritious diet to maintain a healthy weight. The physical and occupational therapists can help you develop a fitness centre and an exercise program.
  • The Sexual health. A spinal cord injury can lead to changes in the erection and ejaculation, or changes in the lubrication. The health care professionals who specialize in urology or fertility can offer options for sexual function and fertility.
  • Pain. Some people have pain, such as muscle or joint pain, by the excessive use of particular muscle groups. Nerve pain can occur after a spinal cord injury, especially in someone with a complete injury.
  • Depression. The pain and the changes of a spinal cord injury brings can cause depression in some people.

The control of the bladder. The bladder continues to store the urine from the kidneys after injury of the spinal cord. But the injury can interfere with the brain and the reception of the messages that you need to control the bladder.

Changes in the control of the bladder increase the risk of urinary tract infections. The changes can also cause kidney infections and bladder or kidney stones. During rehabilitation, you can learn ways to help empty the bladder.

Pressure injuries. Below the neurological level of the injury, you may have lost some or all of the sensations on the skin. Therefore, your skin can't send a message to your brain when it is injured by certain things, such as the long-term pressure.

This can increase the risk of developing pressure ulcers. Change position often — with the assistance, if necessary, can help to prevent ulcers. Skin care can also help prevent pressure ulcers.

Circulatory control. People with a lesion of the spinal cord may have low blood pressure when they stand up, known as orthostatic hypotension. There may also be swelling in the arms and legs. This can increase the risk of developing blood clots, such as deep venous thrombosis or a pulmonary embolism.

Another problem with the circulatory system of control is a potentially dangerous increase in blood pressure, known as autonomic dysreflexia. Your rehabilitation team can teach you how to resolve these issues if they affect you.

The respiratory system. If the injury affects the stomach and the muscles of the chest, it can be difficult to breathe and cough.

The neurological level of injury determines what type of breathing problems you may have. If the injury affects your neck and chest, which might have an increased risk of pneumonia or other diseases of the lungs. Medication and therapy can be useful for the treatment and prevention.

The Fitness and wellness. Weight loss and slimming muscle are common after a spinal cord injury. Due to the limited mobility can lead to a more sedentary lifestyle, there is a risk of weight gain, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

A dietitian can help you eat a nutritious diet to maintain a healthy weight. The physical and occupational therapists can help you develop a fitness centre and an exercise program.

Prevention

Following this advice could reduce the risk of injury of the spinal cord:

  • Drive safely.Automobile accidents are one of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries. Wear a seat belt every time you are in a moving vehicle. Make sure that your child wear a seat belt or the use of an age-and weight-appropriate child safety seat. To protect them from the air bag injuries, children under 12 years old should always travel in the back seat.
  • Check the depth of the water before diving. Do not dive into a pool unless it is at least 9 feet (about 2.74 meters) deep, and clearly marked as safe for diving. The competition of diving requires a greater depth. And do not submerge in an elevated swimming pool or in the water if you don't know how deep it is.
  • To prevent falls. Use a stool with a support bar to reach high objects. Add handrails along the stairs. Put non-slip mats on tile floors and a bathroom in the bathtub or in the shower. For young children, the use of safety gates to block stairways and consider the installation of the bars on the windows.
  • Take precautions when playing sports. Always use protective equipment recommended. Avoid leading with your head in the sport. For example, do not slide forward on the baseball. In American football, it does not address the use of the top of his helmet. The use of an observer of new movements in the gym.
  • Don't drink and drive. Do not drive after drinking alcohol or under the influence of drugs. Do not ride with a driver who has been drinking.

Drive safely. Automobile accidents are one of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries. Wear a seat belt every time you are in a moving vehicle.

Make sure that your child wear a seat belt or the use of an age-and weight-appropriate child safety seat. To protect them from the air bag injuries, children under 12 years old should always travel in the back seat.

Diagnosis

The health professionals in the emergency room of an examination of testing for sensory function and movement, and to ask questions about the accident. They may be able to rule out a spinal cord injury based on this evaluation.

But the emergency diagnostic tests may be necessary. Should I do if the injured person has pain in the neck, is not fully awake, or has obvious weakness or neurological injury.

These tests may include:

  • The X-rays . The X-ray may reveal damage to the bone surrounding the spinal cord, known as the vertebrae. You can also find tumors, fractures or changes in the vertebral column.
  • CTscan. A ct scan can provide a clearer image compared to an X-ray. This analysis used the computers to form a series of cross-sectional images that can define the bone, disk, and other changes.
  • The magnetic resonance imaging. The mri uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce computer-generated images. This test is useful to observe the spinal cord to find a herniated disk, blood clots, or other masses that can compress the spinal cord.

A few days after the injury, when some of the swelling would have gone down, a more thorough neurological examination can be done. The test looks at the level and extent of the injury. This involves the assessment of the muscle strength and the ability to feel the light touch and pinprick sensations.

Treatment

There is No way to reverse the damage to the spinal cord. But researchers are continually working on new treatments. Include prostheses and medications that may promote the regeneration of nerve cells or to improve the function of the nerves that remain after a spinal cord injury.

In the meantime, spinal cord injury treatment focuses on the prevention of new lesions and the empowerment of the people to return to an active and productive life.

Emergency actions

Urgent medical care is critical to minimize the effects of a head or neck injury. Therefore, the treatment of a spinal cord injury often begins at the scene of the accident.

Emergency personnel tends to immobilize the vertebral column as smoothly and quickly as possible. This is done using a rigid collar and a rigid performance of the board during the transport to the hospital.

The early stages of treatment

In the emergency room, the medical care focuses on:

  • The maintenance of your ability to breathe.
  • Prevent shock.
  • The immobilization of her neck, to prevent further damage to the spinal cord.
  • To avoid possible complications. Potential complications include fecal or urinary retention, respiratory or cardiovascular disease, and the formation of blood clots, deep vein.

People with a spinal cord injury are often admitted to the intensive care unit for treatment. Or may be transferred to a regional spinal injury center. Injury in the spine of the centers have a team of trained specialists in spinal cord injuries. The team may include neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, doctor of medicine, and rehabilitation specialists, psychologists, nurses, therapists, and social workers.

  • Drugs. Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol), through a vein in the arm, has been used as a treatment option after a spinal cord injury in the past. But recent research has shown that it has the potential for side effects such as blood clots and pneumonia that outweigh the benefits. Because of this, the methylprednisolone is no longer recommended for routine use after a spinal cord injury.
  • The immobilization. You might need traction to stabilize or realign your spine. Traction involves gently pulling your head to create the correct alignment of the spine. The traction can be performed using a soft neck collar or brace.
  • Surgery. Often surgery is necessary to remove the fragments of bones, foreign objects, slipped disc or fractured vertebra that may compress the spinal column. The surgery may also stabilize the spine and prevent future pain or complications.
  • The experimental treatments. Scientists are trying to find ways to stop the death of the cells, control of inflammation and promote the regeneration of nerve. For example, to lower the temperature of the body significantly — a condition known as hypothermia for 24 to 48 hours can help prevent damage in inflammation. More studies are needed.

Course of care

As the condition stabilizes, the health care focuses on the prevention of other medical conditions that may arise. A spinal cord injury can lead to a decline in physical functioning, known as the lack of physical condition. Or it can lead to stiffness of the muscles due to lack of use, known as muscle contractures. People with a spinal cord injury may also experience pressure ulcers, bowel and bladder problems, respiratory infections, and blood clots.

The duration of his stay in the hospital depends on your condition and medical problems. Once you're well enough to participate in the therapies and the treatment, you may transfer to a rehabilitation center.

Rehabilitation

The rehabilitation of the team members begin to work with you while you're in the early stages of recovery. Your team may include a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a rehabilitation nurse, rehabilitation psychologist and a social worker. The team may also include a physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation, known as a physiatrist, or a doctor who specializes in spinal cord injuries. And you can work with a dietitian and a recreation therapist.

During the early stages of rehabilitation, therapists working in the maintenance and strengthening of the muscle function and the revaluation of fine motor skills. They also help you learn how to adapt to the day to day tasks.

You can learn about the effects of a spinal cord injury and how to prevent complications. The team also works to increase your quality of life and independence.

Teach them many new skills, often with the use of equipment and technologies that can help you live on your own as much as possible. You can learn to enjoy your favorite hobbies, participation in social life and fitness activities, and return to school or the place of work.

Drugs

Medicines may be given some of the side effects of the lesion of the spinal cord. These include medicines to control pain and muscle spasticity. Medicines can also help improve bladder control, bowel control and sexual function.

New technologies

The inventive medical devices can help people with a spinal cord injury to be more independent and more mobile. These include:

  • Modern wheelchair. Improved, lighter-weight wheel chairs are making people with spinal cord injuries, more mobile and more comfortable. Some people need a power wheelchair. Some wheelchairs can even climb stairs, with travel on uneven terrain and raise a user to reach high places without help.
  • Computer adaptations. Computers can be difficult to use if you have limited hand function. Team of accommodations ranging from simple to complex, such as the key of the guards and voice recognition.
  • Electronic aids to daily life. Any device that uses electricity can be controlled with an electronic aid to daily life. The devices can be turned on or off by switch or control of voice and computer-based remote controls.
  • Electrical stimulation devices. Often called functional electrical stimulation systems, these devices use of electrical stimulators. The stimulators help to control the arm and the muscles of the legs to allow people with spinal cord injuries to stand, walk, reach and grip.

The prognosis and recovery of

Your health care professional might not have an expected outlook of your recovery right away. The recovery, if it occurs, it is usually related to the level of the injury. The highest rate of recovery usually occurs during the first six months. But some people make small improvements of up to 1 to 2 years.

Coping and support

An accident that results in paralysis is a life-changing event, and the adaptation is not an easy task. You may wonder how your spinal cord injury is going to affect you in the long term.

Recovery takes time, but many of the people who are paralyzed to lead productive and fulfilling lives. It is essential to keep you motivated and get you the support you need.

Duel

If your spinal cord injury is recent, you and your family can experience a period of mourning. The process of grieving is a healthy part of your recovery. It is natural and important to cry. But it is also necessary to set new goals and find ways to go forward.

You may have doubts about how the injury can affect your lifestyle, finances and relationships. Duel and to have emotional stress are common.

If the pain is affecting your care or causing to isolate or misuse of alcohol or drugs, talk with someone. You could become a social worker, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Or you might find it helpful to join a support group of people with spinal cord injuries.

Talk with other people who understand what is going on can be encouraging. You can also find good advice on the adaptation of the areas of your home or work space to better meet their needs. Ask your healthcare professional or specialist in rehabilitation if there are support groups in your area.

Taking control

One of the best ways to regain control of your life is to educate yourself about your injury and your options to gain more independence. A wide range of driving equipment and vehicle modifications available today.

The same is true of the house of the modification of the products. Ramps, wider doors, special toilets, grab bars, and easy-to-turn knobs for the doors make it possible for you to live more autonomously.

You can have access to financial assistance or support services of the state or the federal government or charitable organizations. Your rehabilitation team can help identify resources in your area.

Talking about your disability

Some friends and family members may not be sure how to help. Be educated about their spinal cord injury and willing to educate others on the benefit of all of you.

Explain the side effects of your injury and what others can do to help. But don't hesitate to tell your friends and loved ones when you are helping too. Talking about your injury can strengthen your relationships with family and friends.

Dealing with intimacy, sexuality, and sexual activity

Your spinal cord injury can affect your body's ability to have sex. However, you are a sexual being with sexual desires. And compliance, physical and emotional relationship is possible, but it requires communication, experimentation, and patience.

A professional counselor can help you and your partner communicate their needs and feelings. Your health care professional may provide health information you need to know about sexual health. You can have a satisfactory future is completed with the intimacy and sexual pleasure.

Looking to the future

As you learn more about your injury and the treatment options, you may be surprised by what you can do. Thanks to new technologies, treatments and devices, people with spinal cord injuries to play basketball and participate in athletics. Painting and taking photographs. Get married, have and raise children, and have rewarding jobs.

Advances in stem cell research and regeneration of nerve cells give hope to the greatest recovery of people with spinal cord injuries. And new treatments are being investigated for people with spinal cord injuries.

No one knows when new treatments will be available, but you can remain optimistic about the future of the spinal cord of the research, while living their life to the fullest today.

Preparing for your appointment

Traumatic spinal cord injuries are emergencies. People who are injured, you might not be able to participate in their care in the first.

A number of specialists involved in the stabilization of their condition. It may include a doctor who specializes in disorders of the nervous system, known as a neurologist. You can also include a surgeon who specializes in spinal cord injuries and other diseases of the nervous system, known as a neurosurgeon.

Your rehabilitation team is led by a medical doctor who specializes in spinal cord injuries, and includes a variety of specialists.

Here's what you can do if you or someone that you can have a spinal cord injury.

What you can do

  • Be prepared to provide information about the event that caused the injury, including everything that may seem unrelated.
  • Have another family member or friend with you when you speak with the professionals of the health, if it is possible. Someone who accompanies you can help you remember the information they give you.
  • Write questions for the health care team.

For a lesion of the spinal cord, some basic questions to ask your health care professional include:

  • What is the prospect of my condition?
  • What is going to happen in the short term? What will happen in the long term? What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
  • Could surgery help?
  • What kind of rehabilitation could help?
  • What research is being done to help this condition?
  • Do you have brochures or other printed material? What sites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions you have.

What to expect from your doctor

It is likely that you ask questions may include:

  • What led to your injury?
  • When does it occur?
  • What do you do for work and leisure?
  • With whom you live?
  • Do you live in a house or apartment? How many stairs does your home?
  • Do you or someone in your family has a history of blood clots?
  • Do you have any other medical condition?
Symptoms and treatment of Spinal cord injury