Spinal Cord Injury
The spinal cord is a long bundle of nerve cells and fibers along the spine. It carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body. A spinal cord injury (SCI) can block the path of messages traveling through the spinal cord between your brain and the rest of your body. As a result, an SCI can cause loss of feeling, movement, and function in parts of the body below the injury.
There are two types of SCI:
Incomplete injuries. These cause some loss of feeling, movement, or function below the level of the injury.
Complete injuries. These cause a total loss of feeling, movement, and function below the level of the injury.
What are the causes?
This condition is caused by an injury to the bones that make up the spine. Any movement of these bones can crush, tear, or put pressure on the spinal cord. This condition may be caused by:
A car or motorcycle accident.
A fall.
A sports injury.
A gunshot.
A birth injury or surgical injury.
An infection that involves the spinal cord.
What increases the risk?
You are more likely to develop this condition if:
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms of this condition depend on the location and severity of the injury. Symptoms may include:
Partial or total loss of movement or feeling.
Trouble breathing.
Loss of bladder or bowel control.
Pain or pressure in your neck, back, or head.
Tingling in your hands, fingers, feet, or toes.
Lumps in the head or spine.
The spinal cord is divided into sections that control different parts of your body. Where you experience symptoms depends on which segment of your spinal cord is damaged:
If your neck (cervical) segment is damaged, you will have symptoms in your neck, arms, and fingers.
If your upper back (thoracic) segment is damaged, you will have symptoms in your torso.
If your lower back (lumbar) segment is damaged, you will have symptoms in your hips and legs.
If your tailbone (sacral) segment is damaged, you will have symptoms in your groin and toes.
How is this diagnosed?
An SCI is diagnosed based on the injury you received, your medical history, your symptoms, and a physical exam. You will also have imaging tests, such as:
How is this treated?
An SCI requires emergency treatment to stabilize the spine and prevent further injury. You may be admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU), where your health care provider will:
Provide breathing support.
Stabilize your blood pressure.
Treat any infections with antibiotic medicines.
Monitor your heart and lung function.
Additional treatment may involve:
Wearing a neck or back brace. This keeps your neck or back from moving.
Being strapped to a board. This prevents the rest of your spine from moving.
Having your spine stretched. This relieves pressure on your spinal cord (traction).
Having surgery to relieve pressure on the spine from a bone, blood clot, foreign body, or bulging disk.
Taking medicines to reduce swelling or pain.
There is no cure for this condition, but long-term therapy and support from health care providers and caregivers can help with the effects of the injury. This may include:
Physical therapy. This includes exercises that help strengthen muscles, prevent stiffness, and maintain range of motion.
Therapy to help with everyday activities (occupational therapy).
Electrical stimulation of nerves. This may help restore some body functions.
Social and emotional support from friends and family members. Find a mental health professional, if needed.
Therapists and support programs can help you learn to:
Take care of yourself at home and in the community.
Manage bowel and bladder problems.
Manage mental health problems.
Manage pain.
Follow these instructions at home:
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Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
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Do exercises as told by your health care provider.
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Try to make sure you have a good support system at home. Arrange for more caregivers if you need them.
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Let your health care provider know if you are struggling with anxiety or depression.
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Consider joining a support group for people with your type of injury.
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Keep all follow-up visits. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
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You have chills or a fever.
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Your symptoms change or get worse.
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You develop sores on your feet, back, elbows, tailbone, or hips.
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You have trouble urinating or pain when urinating.
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You need more support at home.
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You have swelling, redness, or pain in your legs.
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Your symptoms suddenly get worse.
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You have shortness of breath.
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You have pain or a dull ache above the level of your SCI.
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You have chest pain or trouble breathing.
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You do not feel safe at home.
These symptoms may represent a serious problem that is an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.). Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
Summary
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A spinal cord injury (SCI) can block the path of messages traveling through the spinal cord between your brain and the rest of your body.
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A complete SCI causes a total loss of feeling, movement, and function below the level of the injury. An incomplete SCI causes some loss of feeling, movement, or function below the level of the injury.
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This condition requires emergency treatment. You may be treated in an intensive care unit (ICU).
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There is no cure for this condition, but long-term therapy and support from health care providers and caregivers can help with the effects of the injury.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
