Spinal Cord Injury, Acute

Description

Damage to the spinal cord. The most common types of injury are: direct compression from a spine fracture, hematoma, or abscess; lack of blood supply from a blood vessel injury supplying the spinal cord; direct injury from trauma such as a gun shot wound or stabbing; or stretching of the spinal cord during trauma causing a bruise of the spinal cord. The location and severity of the injury determines the nerve deficits experienced. If the injury is high in the neck death can result from inability to breathe.

Symptoms

Weakness, numbness, back or neck pain, loss of bladder or bowel control, inability to urinate and urinary retention, impotence.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to determine the cause and extent of the injury will be performed.

Treatment

The goal of therapy is to treat the process causing the damage. Surgery will be performed to remove any compression of the cord and realign any fractured bones. High dose steroids may be prescribed to reduce swelling and compression of the spinal cord. Intubation and mechanical ventilation may be necessary to support the respirations. For more information contact: Christopher and Dana Reeve foundation: (800)225-0292 National Rehabilitation Information Center: (800)346-2742 National Spinal Cord Injury Association: (800)962-9629 Paralyzed Veterans of America: (800) 424-8200

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