SPINAL CORD INJURY

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord, which can result in loss of function, mobility, and sensation.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries:

1. Traumatic SCI: Caused by accidents, falls, or violence.

2. Non-Traumatic SCI: Caused by medical conditions, infections, or tumors.

Levels of Spinal Cord Injuries:

1. Cervical (neck): C1-C8

2. Thoracic (upper back): T1-T12

3. Lumbar (lower back): L1-L5

4. Sacral (pelvis): S1-S5

Classification of Spinal Cord Injuries:

1. Complete SCI: No sensation or movement below injury level.

2. Incomplete SCI: Some sensation or movement below injury level.

Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries:

1. Motor vehicle accidents

2. Falls

3. Sports injuries

4. Gunshot wounds

5. Medical conditions (e.g., spinal stenosis, multiple sclerosis)

6. Infections (e.g., meningitis, abscesses)

7. Tumors

Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries:

1. Loss of movement or sensation

2. Weakness or paralysis

3. Numbness or tingling

4. Pain or pressure

5. Bladder or bowel dysfunction

6. Respiratory problems

How Spinal Cord Injuries Work:

1. Initial injury: Trauma or damage to spinal cord.

2. Inflammation: Body's response to injury leads to inflammation.

3. Damage to nerve fibers: Disrupts communication between brain and body.

4. Loss of function: Depends on level and severity of injury.

Diagnosis of Spinal Cord Injuries:

1. Medical history

2. Physical examination

3. Imaging tests (e.g., X-rays, CT scans, MRI)

4. Electromyography (EMG)

5. Nerve conduction studies

Treatment Options for Spinal Cord Injuries:

Acute Treatment:

1. Stabilization and immobilization

2. Surgery (e.g., decompression, fusion)

3. Medications (e.g., pain management, steroids)

Rehabilitation:

1. Physical therapy

2. Occupational therapy

3. Speech therapy

4. Respiratory therapy

5. Psychological counseling

Complications of Spinal Cord Injuries:

1. Pressure sores

2. Respiratory problems

3. Urinary tract infections

4. Spasticity

5. Depression or anxiety

Prevention Strategies:

1. Wear seatbelts

2. Use protective gear (e.g., helmets, pads)

3. Practice safe lifting techniques

4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle

5. Regular check-ups for medical conditions

When to Seek Medical Attention:

1. Sudden loss of movement or sensation

2. Severe back or neck pain

3. Difficulty breathing

4. Numbness or tingling

5. Bladder or bowel dysfunction

Spinal Cord Injury Statistics:

1. 17,810 new SCI cases annually in the US

2. 294,000 people living with SCI in the US

3. 52% of SCI cases are tetraplegic (cervical level)

Consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Spinal Cord Injury Resources:

1. National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA)

2. Spinal Cord Injury Foundation (SCIF)

3. American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA)

4. Rehabilitation hospitals and centers

Note: This information is for general purposes only and not intended to provide medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.