Spinal Cord Injury: Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment 

Neurosciences | Posted on 07/17/2024 by Dr. Sanjeev Singh

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are among the most devastating and life-altering conditions an individual can experience. The spinal cord acts as a critical communication pathway between the body and the brain, controlling movement, sensation, and various bodily functions. When the spinal cord is damaged, these connections can be disrupted, leading to partial or complete loss of motor and sensory functions. 

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can further result in significant physical challenges, alongside social, mental, and emotional difficulties. Therefore, it is essential to understand SCIs, including their causes, symptoms, risk factors, complications, diagnosis, and treatment options, to improve the quality of life for those affected.
If you are living with a spinal cord injury, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with one of the best neurosurgeons in Jaipur at CK Birla Hospitals. Our compassionate team offers expert care and state-of-the-art treatments tailored to your unique needs, ensuring you receive adequate support and the best possible clinical outcomes.

In this blog, we aim to provide you with a brief understanding of spinal cord injuries and raise awareness through valuable information. However, please remember that this content is for informational purposes only and should not replace the importance of a professional neurosurgeon's consultation.

What are Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)?

The spinal cord is an integral part of the central nervous system of the human body which acts as a passage to transmit signals between the mind and body. Any injury to the spinal cord may cause interruptions in this interconnection, causing different levels of functional impairment. Spinal cord injuries are segregated as per the severity and location of the injury. Post SCIs your ability to control your motor functions, i.e., movement of your legs and arms depends on which category your injury belongs to: 

• Category I: Complete SCI
  This involves a total loss of motor and sensory function below the level of the injury.
• Category II: Incomplete SCI
  This means there is some degree of motor and sensory function preserved below the level of the injury.

What are the Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injury?

The symptoms of spinal cord injuries might differ depending on the severity and its location. Here are some common symptoms:

Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injury
Losing Movement in any part of the body	Losing bladder and bowel control	Uncontrolled muscles movement	Pain sensations
Inability to feel heat, cold, and touch	Sexual function changes	Problems in breathing	Trouble balancing and walking
Twisted neck of back	Signs of shock	Unnatural head positioning	Headaches

What are the Causes of Spinal Cord Injury?

Spinal cord injuries usually are an outcome of unforeseeable incidents or violent occurrences. However, there are other causes as well which include:

• Trauma injuries that result from motor vehicle incidents, falling, sports injuries, etc.
• Internal biological complications such as spinal cord inflammation, osteoporosis, cancer, arthritis, and cancer.
• Trauma impact due to deep water diving and hitting the bottom.
• Electrical incidents affecting the spine structure.

What Are the Risk Factors of Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury is an outcome of trauma and unforeseen sudden incidents that can happen to any individual at any time. But some risk factors can aggravate the possibility of spinal cord injury, which include: 

• Age: Young adults, who are between 16-30 are susceptible to spinal cord injuries due to their regular involvement in risky activities.
• Gender: More than 80% of spinal cord injury cases are linked to males than females. 
• High-Performance Activities: People who are involved in sports activities can experience SCIs often.
• Use of Substance: Involves drugs and alcohol that can harm judgment increasing the probability of accidents.
• Pre-existing Health Conditions: People who have pre-existing conditions like osteoporosis are more vulnerable to SCIs.
• Occupation: Jobs involving heavy lifting or high-risk environments can cause spinal injuries.

How are Spinal Cord Injuries Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of a spinal cord injury involves a combination of medical assessment and diagnostic tests:

• Physical Examination: Involves evaluating sensory and motor functions to identify the severity and level of SCI. 
• Imaging Tests:
  • X-rays: To detect anomalies, spinal fractures, or dislocations.
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): To obtain comprehensive pictures of the spinal cord and nearby tissues to determine damage through a strong magnetic field and radio waves.
  • CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: To gain cross-sectional pictures for the assessment of injury extent and other structural damage.
• Neurological Assessment: Assessing neurological function comprehensively that includes sensory perception, muscle strength, and autonomic functions.

What are Spinal Cord Injury Treatment Options?

The treatment approach for spinal cord injuries involves reducing further harm, managing symptoms, and increasing the overall quality of life. Healthcare providers recommend treatment options depending on the location and extent of SCI. The following treatment options help relieve the symptoms:

• Emergency Actions: Helps stabilise the patient and prevent additional damage. It includes immobilisation, preserving the airway and breathing, and dealing with any life-threatening injuries.
• Medications: Steroids and pain management medications are often prescribed for SCIs. Steroids help minimise inflammation and swelling in the spinal cord, while pain medications help control pain and muscle tightness.
• Surgery: Surgical intervention is opted for the removal of bone fragments, foreign objects, or herniated discs, to stabilise the spine, and relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
• Rehabilitation: Physical therapy to sustain and strengthen muscles, increase mobility, and avert complications is recommended to assist patients regain freedom in their daily activities. Parallely psychological support is given to deal with emotional and mental health challenges linked to SCI. 
• Assistive Devices: These are highly recommended to improve mobility for the patient and involve wheelchairs, braces, and other adaptive equipment.
• Experimental Treatments: Experts are researching regenerative medicine to support nerve regeneration, stop cell death, and manage inflammation. Additionally, research in stem cell therapy and nerve regeneration techniques offers hope for future advancements in SCI treatment. 

Conclusion

People experiencing spinal cord injury can lead fulfilling lives with proper treatment, and rehabilitation despite the significant challenges it presents. Latest advancements in the field continue to enhance results and give hope to people affected by spinal cord injury. Remember, experiencing a SCI does not make you any less of a human being It simply means that you might need assistance in your daily activities and have to push yourself a little harder to perform tasks differently. But, with compassion, care, support and resilience, you can certainly overcome these challenges.

FAQs- 

 

Is spine surgery dangerous?

What happens if the spinal cord is damaged?

If the spinal cord is damaged, it might lead to paralysis in most cases and damage to the limbs affecting the functionality of a patient’s body and legs.

How to recover from a spine injury?

Recovery from a spine injury involves physical activities, physical therapy, and maintaining a healthy diet. Other options include medications, assistive devices, and support from family or friends. 

Can spinal injury be cured?

There is no cure available for spinal injury but the right treatment assists in preventing further damage and irreversible harm. 

How does a spinal cord injury affect the brain?

If the spinal cord is damaged, then it obstructs the messages from the body to the brain affecting the sensory and motor functions. It causes changes in how an individual feels, thinks, and responds.