ILLNESSOPEDIA

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Spinal Cord Injury



Spinal Cord Injury Causes


Frequent causes of spinal cord injury is trauma brought about by car accident, falls, gunshot, sports-related accidents and other incidents wherein damage to spinal cord is affected; diseases like polio, Spina bifida and cysts located on the spinal cord.


Spinal Cord Injury Definition


Spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord resulting in a partial or complete loss of function like mobility or feeling. The spinal cord does not have to be disengaged to arrive at loss of function. In some cases, the spinal cord is integral but the effect of the damage results to loss of functioning. Even if a person breaks his back or neck no loss of functioning will occur if the spinal cord did not suffer any form of injury.


Spinal Cord Injury Diagnosis


Complete physical examinations, study of symptoms and diagnostic tests like X-ray, CT scan and MRI around the spinal area can help in confirming diagnosis, location and severity of spinal cord injury.


Spinal Cord Injury Symptoms and Signs


Symptoms that are commonly experienced by individuals suffering from spinal cord injury include some or all of the following: ? Loss of sensation ? Paralysis ? Loss of reflex function ? Loss of autonomic activity ? Loss of bowel control ? Loss of bladder control ? Pain ? Difficulty in breathing ? Muscle contraction ? Sexual dysfunction


Spinal Cord Injury Treatment


Treatment depends on the severity of the damage to spinal cord. Some of the general approaches in the treatment of spinal cord injury include: ? Emergency treatments ? Stabilization of the backbone ? Methylprednisone to reduce swelling and destruction of tissue around the spinal cord ? If spinal cord injury resulted to paralysis, rehabilitation is aimed at regaining and improving function.


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