Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal Cord Injury is a condition in which the spinal cord is damaged and causes paralysis and/or other problems. It is caused by a direct injury to the spine, or by damage to the nerves that exit the spine, usually due to a fall. Some of the symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury include pain in the arms, legs and back, and difficulty concentrating and walking. In addition, a person may experience other complications, such as a loss of consciousness or muscle weakness. A doctor should be consulted for treatment and recovery, as soon as possible.

Paralysis

Paralysis after spinal cord injury can be a long-term or short-term condition. It depends on the severity of the spinal cord injury. Incomplete spinal cord injuries have a higher chance of recovery than complete spinal cord injuries.

If you have suffered from a spinal cord injury, you'll need to follow a treatment plan to regain your mobility. Some of these treatments include surgery and medication. Others, like physical therapy, involve exercising the affected muscles.

A new study found that a bacterial enzyme called Chondroitinase has the potential to help paralyzed patients regain some function. This protein has been proven to promote growth, degrade scars, and boost recovery in animal experiments.

Another promising new therapy is a gene therapy approach. Researchers have used the Lenti-virus vector to deliver therapeutic genes. These genes will help the axons grow after a spinal cord injury.

Another new approach involves using nanoparticles to redirect immune cells away from the injured area. The immune cells are then able to clear debris, which may initiate a regenerative process.

Complications

If you have suffered a spinal cord injury, you may be surprised to find out that you are at high risk for medical complications. These complications are usually related to the type and severity of the injury.

For example, you are more likely to develop pressure ulcers after a spinal cord injury. This is a painful and debilitating condition.

The presence of infections can also be a complication. In some cases, the infection will cause death. Other complications can include respiratory distress.

The most common types of infections are urinary tract and gastrointestinal. However, infectious diseases are only one of the many complications that can occur in people with spinal cord injuries.

There are a number of factors that contribute to the risk of developing these complications. An unstable spine can result in muscle spasms, which could lead to injury of the spinal cord.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of spinal cord injury depends on several factors. First, the patient's history. Next, the doctor will look for the severity of the injury.

For example, if the doctor suspects that a patient has a fracture, he will perform an x-ray. Depending on the type of injury, the doctor may also order MRI or CT scans.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the next step is to treat the patient. This is important because it can help improve the chance of full recovery.

Medications can be used to reduce swelling and inflammation. They also may be used to control muscle spasticity. In addition, a support system is recommended. Besides family and friends, this may include healthcare providers and community organizations.

A spinal cord injury can have a profound impact on a person's physical and mental condition. It can cause loss of mobility and bladder or bowel control. Also, the injury may result in chronic pain.

Treatment

If you have suffered a spinal cord injury, you will be looking for ways to move forward. You can get support from others and learn how to cope with the pain. This can include joining support groups or finding a good social worker. In some cases, you may be eligible for financial assistance.

There is an ongoing research effort to identify new ways to treat spinal cord injuries. Some of the treatments are designed to help nerve cells regenerate. Others are designed to prevent further damage to the spinal cord.

The treatment of spinal cord injury often begins in the emergency room. Emergency personnel will stabilize the spine as quickly as possible. They will also place a rigid neck collar. This helps limit swelling and bleeding. X-rays can be used to detect tumors and herniated disks.

Surgical treatment of spinal cord injury is performed to remove foreign objects and reduce pressure on the spinal cord. In addition, patients are rehabilitated with a multidisciplinary team. These team members will include a physical therapist, occupational therapist, and rehabilitation psychologist.