Your spinal cord runs through the canal between these bones. The spinal cord is the bundle of nerves that carries movement and sensation messages between the brain and the rest of the body.

Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is a traumatic injury that damages the spine and causes a partial or complete tear. SCIs are a common cause of permanent disability and death in children and adults.

What causes severe SCI?

Most things cause SCI. The most common injuries occur when the spine or neck area is bent or compressed as follows:

WaterfallMotor vehicle accidents, collisions such as cars, motorcycles and pedestriansSports injuriesDiving accidentsTrampoline accidentsViolence such as gunshot or stab woundsForms a collection of pus (pus) in the spinal cordBirth injuries They usually affect the spine in the neck area.

Who is at risk for serious SCI?

Some people are at higher risk for a spinal cord injury than others. The average age at the time of injury has increased in recent decades and is now 42 years old. Many men who suffer from SCI. Non-Hispanic whites are at higher risk for a spinal cord injury than other races.

What are the symptoms of acute SCI?

The symptoms of acute SCI can vary widely. The location of the spinal cord injury determines which part of the body is affected and how severe the symptoms are.

As soon as a spinal cord injury occurs, your spine may be in shock. It is the loss or decrease of sensation, muscle movement and reactions. When the swelling subsides, it is easier for your doctor to know the extent of the injury.

Generally, the greater the degree of spinal injury, the more severe the symptoms. For example, a neck injury can affect the first and second vertebrae of the spine (C1, C2) or the middle cervical vertebrae (C3, C4 and C5), the respiratory muscles and the ability to breathe. Low injury to the pelvic vertebrae, affecting nerve and muscle control and sexual function of the bladder, intestines, and legs.

Quadriplegia is a loss of function in the arms and legs.Paraplegia means loss of function in the legs and lower body. The extent of the spinal cord injury determines whether the injury is complete or incomplete.A complete injury means that there is no movement or sensation below the level of the injury.An incomplete injury means that there is still some sensation or movement beyond the level of the injury.

Common symptoms of an acute spinal cord injury are:

Muscular weaknessLoss of muscle movement in the chest, arms.Respiratory problemsLoss of bowel and bladder function.

The symptoms of SCI appear to be similar to those of other conditions or health problems.

How are severe SCIs diagnosed?

Acute SCI is a medical emergency. An emergency evaluation is required whenever there is a suspicious injury to the spine.

The effects of SCI may not be obvious at first. A full health evaluation and testing is required. During the test, the Neurologist will ask about your medical history and how the injury occurred. Spinal cord injury can cause nerve problems that require further medical adaptation. Sometimes surgery is needed to stabilize the spinal cord after an acute SCI.

Diagnostic tests can include:

Blood testThe bone scan test uses invisible beams of electromagnetic energy to produce images of internal bones, and organs on film.Computed tomography. An imaging test that uses x-rays and computer technology to create detailed images of the body. A CT scan shows pictures of any part of the body, including bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than regular X-rays.Magnetic resonance test uses large magnets, radio frequencies, and a computer to create detailed images of organs.

How is acute SCI treated?

SCIs require emergency medical assistance at the scene of an accident or injury. After an injury, keep your head and neck steady to avoid movement. This can be very difficult when you are afraid after a serious accident.

There is currently no way to repair a damaged or injured spinal cord. But researchers are actively testing ways to stimulate spinal regeneration. The severity and location of the SCI determines whether the SCI is mild, severe, or malignant.

Sometimes surgery is needed to evaluate the injured spine, stabilize the fractured spine, relieve pressure from the injured area, and treat other injuries that may have occurred as a result of the accident. Your treatment may include:

Observation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)Medications such as corticosteroids that help reduce inflammation in the spinal cord.Breathing machine (mechanical ventilator)Bladder catheter, a tube that is put into the bladder. This helps the urine drain into the collection bag.Feeding tube. It is placed in the stomach through the nostril. Or injected directly into the abdomen through the abdomen. The tube provides additional nutrition and calories.

Recovery from SCI often requires long-term hospitalization and rehabilitation. You will be served by a team of healthcare providers from many sectors. This team includes nurses, therapists (physical, occupational, or speech), and other professionals. They try to control your pain and monitor your heart function, blood pressure, body temperature, nutrition, bladder and bowel function, and control spontaneous muscle spasms.

Can severe SCIs be prevented?

There is definitely no way to prevent SCI, but there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk. In addition to:

Do not drive under the influence of alcohol.You should wear a seat belt when in the vehicle.Be careful not to fall around your house.Lock the weapons.Wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle or participating in any sport or activity that could result in a head injury. These include biking, skiing, hockey, and soccer.

Living with severe SCI

Physical therapy will be a very important part of your rehabilitation. In this treatment, experts work with you to help you retrain other muscles to prevent muscle wasting and contractions (contractions) and to help with mobility and movement. Another type of treatment is occupational therapy. It can help you learn new ways to do daily tasks despite your new physical limitations.

The traumatic event that led to your spinal cord injury is devastating for you and your family. The healthcare team will help educate your family members on how to help with your care at home after your hospitalization and rehabilitation. They can help you immediately understand the specific problems that require medical help.

You will need frequent medical evaluations and tests after your hospitalization and rehabilitation to monitor your progress.

It is important to focus on maximizing your skills at home and in the community.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Depending on the severity of the injury, some may regain lost function, while others may continue to have long-term problems. You should talk to your healthcare provider about when to call.

Your healthcare provider may recommend that you call them if you have a problem that is getting worse, such as weakness, numbness, or other changes in sensation or changes in bladder or bowel control.

People with severe chronic effects from spinal cord injury can develop many other problems as well. Your healthcare provider may recommend that you call them if you have similar problems:

Infections or sores on the skinDifficulty breathingFever, cough, or other signs of infectionIntense headacheYou should not urinate regularly or have severe diarrhea or constipation.Severe muscle cramps or spasmsIncreased pain

Highlight

Acute spinal cord injury is caused by injury to the spine and it is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

The severity of symptoms (such as weakness, paralysis, and loss of consciousness) depends on how badly the spinal cord is damaged and where the injury occurs in the spinal cord. Damage to the spinal cord in the middle of the back not only affects the legs, but damage to the spinal cord in the neck also affects the arms and respiratory muscles.

Treatment may include surgery, medications, and other necessary treatments. Some may regain some performance over time, while others may continue to have long-term problems. Physical therapy and occupational therapy can help you adjust to new ways of doing things.

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