Spinal Cord Injury: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Injuries may be complete or incomplete; not every injury causes total paralysis. Assessment includes breathing, sensation and bladder and bowel function, with recovery expectations individualized over time.

Related reading: Spinal cord tumors and neurological compression.

Weakness, reduced sensation below the injury, pain, spasms or bladder and bowel changes can occur. Neck injuries may affect arms and breathing; some signs emerge after the initial accident.

Causes include crashes, falls or diving injuries, and non-traumatic conditions such as tumors, inflammation or vascular disease. Damage may involve compression, bleeding or loss of blood supply.

Falls, crashes and unsafe sports increase risk, while osteoporosis can make lesser trauma more harmful. Subsequent complications depend on injury level, severity and access to continuing care and rehabilitation.

Assessment first addresses airway, breathing and circulation, followed by neurological examination and appropriate CT or MRI. Repeated examinations establish injury level, preserved function and changes over time.

Care protects the spine, supports breathing and circulation, and uses decompression or stabilization surgery when indicated, followed by rehabilitation. High-dose corticosteroids are not a routinely established treatment for every acute traumatic injury.

Pressure injuries, urinary infections, respiratory problems, clots and nerve pain may develop. Some higher injuries cause sudden high blood pressure with headache and sweating, requiring the established emergency plan.

Seatbelts, fall prevention and avoiding diving into water of unknown depth reduce injuries. After injury, individualized skin, mobility, nutrition and bladder care help prevent secondary complications.