About Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord extends from brain to lower back and is a bundle of nerve cells and fibers that acarries messages from the brain to the body as well as from the body to the brain. The spinal cord is protected by the vertebral column. The 4 regions of the vertebral column include the 7 cervical vertebrae (protecting 8 cervical nerves), 12 thoracic vertebrae (protecting 12 thoracic nerves), 5 lumbar vertebras (protect 5 lumbar nerves) and 5 sacral vertebras (protecting 5 sarcal nerves). Trauma to spinal cord result from a direct injury or injury to surrounding bones, tissues, and blood vessels. It occurs when there is damage to the cells of the spinal cord or severs to the nerve tracts that relay signals up and down the spinal cord.

Diagnosis and treatment

Requires immediate attention. In order to reduce long term effect, immediate treatment is necessary.

how is it diagnosed?
*Physical exam
*A CT scan and MRI may be needed to detect the location of injury and extent of damage (it may also detect blood clots)
*Somatosensory evoked potentional test (SSEP) can show if a nerve signal passes through the spinal cord
*Neurological exam a few days following injury to determine level and completeness of injury. Involves testing muscle strength and sense of light touch

Typical treatments:
*Corticosteriods to reduce swelling and avoid SC compression. Corticosteriods should be used as soon as possible following an injury.
*Surgery may be needed. Surgery can be used to remove fluid or tissue that may be pressing against SC, as well as removing bone fragements or other foregin objects that can puncture the SC.
*Spinal traction can reduce amount of dislocation as well as immobilize the spine so realignment can occur
*Spasticity treatment can be reduced by oral medication, injecting medicide in spinal canal, or botulinum toxin into muscle
*Pain should be treated with analgesics and muscle relaxants
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