Spinal cord injury, acute

About Spinal cord injury, acute

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 gunshot 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 & Diagnostics

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

Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, MRI, X-ray.

Conventional treatment summary

Surgery may be performed to remove any compression of the cord, make the spine stable if bone injury has occurred, 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

Medical specialties

Neurosurgery · Pediatric Neurosurgery

This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Spinal cord injury, acute.