What is spinal cord injury?
The spinal cord is a column of nerve fibers that extends from the brain down through the spinal canal of the vertebral column, transmitting signals between the brain and parts of the body. Spinal cord injury can result from accidents, infections, or congenital anomalies, which may cause temporary or permanent loss of neuromuscular functions. It can lead to loss of sensation, movement, or bodily functions in areas below the level of the spinal cord injury.
Spinal cord injuries are classifiable as:
- Complete spinal cord injury: This condition results in a total loss of sensation and movement in all areas below the level of the injury.
- Incomplete spinal cord injury: This condition results in partial loss of sensation and movement in areas below the level of the injury.
What are the symptoms of spinal cord injury?
The symptoms of spinal cord injury depend on the location and severity of the injury:
- Loss of movement and sensation. Paralysis and impaired sensation in the areas innervated by spinal nerves below the level of the injury.
- Incontinence. Inability to control urination or defecation.
- Muscle spasms or involuntary contractions
- Changes in sexual function, decreased libido.
- Difficulty breathing, particularly in individuals with injuries at a cervical level
- Autonomic dysreflexia. A potentially life-threatening condition with sudden, extreme high blood pressure that requires urgent medical intervention.
What are the causes of spinal cord injury?
- Traumatic causes include motor vehicle accidents, sports-related injuries, or physical altercations. Non-traumatic causes include infections, cancer, arthritis, and degenerative disc disease.
- Injuries that damage the vertebrae, ligaments, or intervertebral discs, leading to compression of the spinal nerves, can also cause spinal cord injury.
What are the complications of spinal cord injury?
- Respiratory issues, such as difficulty breathing due to impaired diaphragmatic function, potentially require ventilatory support.
- Cardiovascular problems include low blood pressure, compromised blood circulation, and an increased risk of blood clots or deep vein thrombosis.
- Pressure sores can become infected, leading to further complications.
- Chronic pain from nerve damage.
- Muscle spasms, with muscle pain and immobility.
- Urinary and bowel incontinence.
- Emotional and psychological issues. Patients may experience depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Diagnostic Methods for Spinal Cord Injury
- Physical examination and sensory and motor function assessment.
- Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.
- Neurological assessment to evaluate the severity and level of the injury.
Treatment modality
- Emergency treatment aims to prevent further damage.
- Immediate stabilization and immobilization after injury can prevent exacerbation of the injury.
- Medications such as steroid injections reduce inflammation and minimize damage to the spinal cord.
- Surgery to relieve compression or remove fractured bone fragments from the spinal column.
- Rehabilitation
- Physical therapy focuses on strengthening muscles, enhancing mobility, and helping patients adapt to physical limitations.
- Occupational therapy assists patients in developing essential life skills and training on using adaptive equipment for daily activities.
- Mental health counseling and therapy
- Long-term Symptom Management
- Manage symptoms such as muscle spasms, chronic pain, and incontinence through medications, assistive devices, or lifestyle modifications.
Living with Spinal Cord Injury
Living with spinal cord injury requires ongoing care and management. Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers enable effective health monitoring and prevention of complications. Participation in physical and occupational therapy helps patients adapt to changes in daily life. Moreover, family, friends, and healthcare professionals play essential roles in assisting patients with physical, emotional, and social challenges.
Questions to Ask the Doctor
- How severe is the injury?
- What treatments are necessary, and how long will rehabilitation take?
- How can I prevent pressure sores or infections?
- What types of assistive devices should I use?
- What methods are available for managing pain or chronic symptoms?
