31/10/2025
A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord that can lead to temporary or permanent loss of movement, feeling, and body functions below the injury site. Causes include acute trauma, such as from motor vehicle accidents, falls, and sports injuries, as well as non-traumatic causes like tumors or infections. Symptoms vary by the severity and location of the injury and can range from paralysis, loss of sensation, and loss of bowel/bladder control to impaired breathing. Immediate medical attention is crucial after a trauma, and treatment involves emergency stabilization, surgery, and long-term rehabilitation.
Causes of spinal cord injury
Acute Trauma: Direct injury from events like motor vehicle collisions, falls, sports injuries, and gunshot wounds.
Non-Traumatic Causes: Issues that develop more slowly, such as tumors, infections, or degenerative diseases of the spine.
Symptoms of spinal cord injury
Loss of Sensation: Numbness or tingling in the hands, fingers, feet, or toes.
Loss of Motor Function: Partial or complete loss of movement in the body.
Loss of Bowel or Bladder Control: Urgency, incontinence, or retention.
Pain and Pressure: Extreme pain or pressure in the neck, head, or back.
Other: Abnormal band-like sensations in the thorax, unusual lumps on the head or spine, or impaired breathing.
Types of spinal cord injuries
Complete: All nerve function below the level of the injury is lost.
Incomplete: Some function below the level of the injury remains. This can involve partial preservation of movement and sensation.
Treatment and management
Emergency Care: Immediate stabilization and immobilization to prevent further damage, along with potential medication or surgery to relieve compression.
Rehabilitation: Physical and occupational therapy to help regain strength and learn how to use adaptive equipment.
Long-Term Management: Addressing complications like muscle spasms, chronic pain, and bladder/bowel control issues through medication, lifestyle modifications, or assistive devices.