A spinal cord injury (SCI) refers to the damage to any part of the spinal cord. It can be caused by a direct injury to the spinal cord itself or indirectly due to disease of the surrounding tissue, bones or blood vessels.
Types of Spinal Cord Injury
Based on location, spinal cord injury can be classified into:
Cervical spine: This section is in the neck and extends from bottom of the skull to about the same level as the shoulders.
Thoracic spine: Stretches from the upper back to just below the navel.
Lumbar spine: Located in the lower back.
Sacral spine: The sacral spine is located in the lower back and comprises the nerve roots extending from below the hips to the tailbone.
Based on severity, spinal cord injury can be classified into:
Complete: If the ability to control movement, below the location of the spinal cord injury is lost, it is referred to as a complete injury.
Incomplete: If some control of movement still remains below the affected area, the spinal cord injury is referred to as incomplete.
Paralysis refers to the loss of control over movement and sensation. Paralysis due to a spinal cord injury can be classified as:
Quadriplegia or Tetraplegia: This indicates that the hands, arms, legs and pelvic organs are all affected by spinal cord injury.
Paraplegia: This type of paralysis affects all or part of the legs, trunk and pelvic organs, but not the arms.
Spinal Cord Injury Symptoms
The ability to control the body’s movement after a spinal cord injury is based on two factors; one of the factors is the location of the injury and the other factor is severity of the injury.
The symptoms of spinal cord injury can be as follows:
Loss of or a change in sensation
Loss of movement
Loss of bladder control
Spasms or exaggerated reflex activities
Changes in sexual function and fertility
Intense stinging sensation or pain caused by damage to nerve fibres in the spinal cord
Trouble breathing or clearing secretions from the lungs.
Emergency Symptoms
Emergency symptoms of spinal cord injury after an accident may include:
Extreme pain in the head, neck or back
Loss of control and weakness in any part of the body
Numbness or loss of feeling in the fingers, hands and feet
Trouble walking or maintaining balance
Trouble breathing after an injury
A twisted neck or back.
Spinal Cord Injury Causes
Common spinal cord injury causes may include:
Acts of violence
Falls
Gunshot wounds
Industrial accidents
Motor vehicle accidents
Sports injuries
Spinal Cord Injury Diagnosis
In case of a spinal cord injury, a doctor tests for sensory function, movement (neurological exam) and asks necessary questions about the treatment. Emergency tests to diagnose a spinal cord injury may be necessary if the injured individual experiences neck pain, is not fully conscious, or shows signs of significant weakness.
These tests may include:
Imaging Tests
X-rays: An X-ray can help detect damage to the vertebrae (bone surrounding the spinal cord). They also help detect changes in the spine, fractures or tumours.
CT- scan: This scan forms a series of cross-sectional images to define disk, bone and other changes.
MRI: An MRI uses a strong magnetic field to produce computer-generated images. This type of test helps detect herniated disks or blood clots that can compress the spinal cord.
Diagnostic Tests
Diagnostic tests like nerve conduction tests and electromyography to measure electrical signals reaching the muscles and locate spinal cord damage.
Spinal Cord Injury Treatment
There is no way to reverse the damage caused by a spinal cord injury. However, treatment for spinal cord injuries primarily aims to prevent additional damage.
Emergency Actions
Early stages of spinal cord injury treatment focuses on:
Maintaining the ability to breathe
Preventing shock
Preventing further damage to the spinal cord by immobilizing the neck
Avoiding possible complications such as urine or stool retention, cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, and deep vein blood clots.
Treatment for Trauma Related Spinal Cord Injury
Trauma-related spinal cord injury is treated in an intensive care unit (ICU) because of the severity of the injury. Treatment options may include:
Surgery: Surgery for trauma-related SCI helps relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
Medications: Steroids help reduce inflammation around the spinal cord.
Traction: Traction helps minimise movement around the SCI.
Therapy Treatment for Spinal Cord Injury
People with a spinal cord injury need additional care and attention in the months following the injury. Some types of care may also continue indefinitely. Long-term support may include:
Physical/ Occupational therapy: This helps regain and build strength and adapt to the overall impact of injury.
Speech therapy: Individuals with an injury located high in the spinal cord benefit from speech therapy. It helps improve communication and swallowing.
At-home care: People with severe SCIs may also require at-home care and support services to manage the effects of injury.
FAQs
What are the 4 types of spinal injuries?
The 4 types of spinal cord injury are sacral, lumbar, thoracic and cervical. Rings of bone referred to as vertebrae surround the spinal cord. These bones constitute the back bones (spinal column). In general, the higher in the spinal column an injury occurs, the more dysfunction a person experiences.
Can I walk again after a spinal cord injury?
While some factors such as the severity of spinal cord injury cannot be changed, diet, motivation and rehabilitative therapy has a significant effect on recovery. With consistency and a positive mindset, many individuals may be able to walk after spinal cord injury.
How does a spinal cord injury affect life?
Spinal cord injury affects an individual both emotionally and physically, and most people experience the following, partially or completely:
Affecting the ability to walk
Loss of movement in the legs
Possible loss of movement in the hands or arms, chest and trunk
Loss of feeling in different parts of the body.
Is spinal cord injury curable?
There is no way to reverse the damage caused to the spinal cord due to a spinal cord injury. However, ongoing research is helping include new treatments such as prostheses and medicines to help promote cell regeneration and improve nerve function.
