WHAT IS SPINAL CORD INJURY


A damage to the spinal cord is the spinal cord injury. Spinal cord injury is an extremely serious type of physical trauma that’s likely to have a lasting and significant impact on most aspects of daily life. The vertebrae of the spine contain and protects a bundle of nerves and other tissue, called the spinal cord. The vertebrae are the bones stacked on top of each other that make up the spine. The spine contains many nerves, and extends from the brain’s base down the back, ending close to the buttocks.

For sending messages from the brain to all parts of the body, the spinal cord is responsible and it also sends messages from the body to the brain. We’re able to recognize pain and move our limbs because of messages sent through the spinal cord. Some or all of these impulses may not be able to get through if the spinal cord sustains an injury. A complete or total loss of sensation and mobility below the injury will be the result. A spinal cord injury closer to the neck will typically cause paralysis throughout a larger part of the body than one in the lower back area.

How do spinal cord injuries usually occur?

The result of an unpredictable accident or violent event can be a spinal cord injury. The following can all result in damage to the spinal cord:
•       a violent attack such as a stabbing or a gunshot
•       diving into water that’s too shallow and hitting the bottom
•       falling from a height
•       injuries during sporting events (head or spinal)

What are the symptoms of a spinal cord injury?

Some symptoms of a spinal cord injury include:

•       problems walking
•       loss of control of the bladder or bowels
•       inability to move the arms or legs
•       feelings of spreading numbness or tingling in the extremities
•       unconsciousness
•       pain, pressure, and stiffness in the back or neck area
•       signs of shock
•       the unnatural positioning of the head

What should I do if I suspect a spinal cord injury?

Follow the procedure below if you believe someone has a spinal cord injury:

•       Don’t move the person or disturb them in any way unless it’s absolutely necessary. This includes repositioning the person’s head or attempting to remove a helmet.
•       Encourage the person to stay as still as possible, even if they feel they’re capable of getting up and walking on their own.
•       Perform CPR, if the person isn’t breathing. Never tilt the head back, however. Instead, move the jaw forward.

Diagnostics tools that doctors may use include:

•       CT scans
•       MRIs
•       X-rays of the spine

How to prevent spinal cord injuries?

Because spinal cord injuries are often due to unpredictable events, it's better to reduce our risk. Some risk-reducing measures include:

•       always wearing a seatbelt while in a car
•       wearing proper protective gear while playing sports

AVA Rehabilitation center, a future center of excellence, provides comprehensive patient-centered,neuro-rehabilitation care for persons who suffered the stroke, brain, and spinal injuries.

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