The Devastating Effects of Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury is so serious because it can cause permanent paralysis of the person, as well as the loss of sensation below the part of the damaged spine. When this happens, this is called paraplegia. When the damage includes most of the parts of body, including the arms and legs, this is called tetraplegia or quadriplegia. These are common signs when one has spinal cord injury:

The person cannot move.

The person cannot feel heat or cold, or even the surface he is touching.

The person feels pain or an intense stinging sensation. This is because the nerve fibers in the spinal cord are damaged.

The person can’t control their bowel and bladder activity.

The person has difficulty breathing, or has clear secretions from his/her lungs.

They may experience changes in sexual function, fertility and sexual sensitivity.

The person may demonstrate exaggerated reflex actions or spasms.

One can damage their spinal cord in a number of ways. Typically they are caused by accidents. Accidents are the most common causes of spinal cord injury in the United States:

Car and Motorcycle accidents

This is the leading cause of spinal cord injuries. More than half of people having spinal cord injury attribute this as the cause of injury.

Violent Encounters

Gunshot wounds as well as knife wounds account for around 15% of spinal cord injuries.

Athletic activity injuries

Impact sports such as diving and very high contact sports account for around 8% of spinal cord injuries.

Falls

Accidental falls can lead to spinal cord injury and represents 22% of all causes of the injury. Elderly are especially susceptible to spinal cord injury because of a fall.

Sickness or disease

Though it is seldom that this happens, complications from arthritis, cancer and other infections can be a cause of spinal cord injuries.

One should immediately seek medical help if he/she experiences these warning signs after a head injury or an accident:

Extreme back pain in the neck, head or back

Fading in and out of consciousness

Loss of feeling or numbness on the fingers, or feet

Difficulty with walking or balance

Paralysis in any part of the body

Difficulty in breathing after the accident

Difficulty in movement and coordination with the body

Twisted neck or back

The symptoms of spinal cord injury many not appear too obvious after an accident. In fact, one may feel fine after an accident. But there may be times when the injury gradually develops as the area surrounding the spinal cord progressively swells as well as bleeds. People who have experienced a serious injury to the head or neck should be evaluated by a doctor in order to determine whether a spinal cord injury has occurred. Immediate treatment will avoid complications that may arise latter. The time from injury to treatment is critical in minimizing permanent damage to the spinal cord.