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.

Outcomes

Currently there is no cure for SCI, but tons of research being done. The edema that follows spinal cord injury may cause changes in almost all the body systems. When the edema subsides people regain some functions back. People can regain functioning as long as a year following the injury but regaining full functioning is rare. There are medical advances that allow people with SCI to live longer, but compared to the general population people with SCI have a shorter lifespan, partly due to the secondary complications.

Incomplete SCI have a better prognosis then complete SCI. Depedning on the level of injury determines the extent of disability.

Poor prognosis is indicated by hemorrhages and not following treatment/life style changes to prevent secondary complications.
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