Spinal Cord Injury

What is Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal. These injuries often cause permanent changes in strength, sensation, and other body functions below the site of the injury. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves and other tissue that the vertebrae of the spine contains and protects. The vertebrae are the bones stacked on top of one another that make up the spine. The spine contains many nerves, and extends from the brain down through the back to about the waist.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms may include: • Loss of movement • Loss of or altered sensation, including 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 stinging sensation • Difficulty breathing, coughing, or clearing secretions from your lungs • Extreme back pain or pressure in your neck, head, or back

Diagnosis

Emergency diagnostic tests may include: • X-rays to view vertebral problems, tumors, fractures, or degeneration • CT scan to provide a better look at abnormalities seen on X-rays • MRI to look at the spinal cord itself and can detect herniated disks, blood clots, or other masses • Neurological exam to test motor function and sensation

Treatment

Treatment focuses on preventing further injury and enabling people to return to an active life: • Immobilization to prevent further damage • Surgery to remove bone fragments, foreign objects, herniated disks, or fractured vertebrae • Medications including corticosteroids to reduce inflammation • Experimental treatments including nerve cell transplantation • Comprehensive rehabilitation including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling • Assistive devices and technologies to help with daily activities

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