%20and%20related%20information%20that%20could%20be%20of%20service%20to%20a%20sufferer%20or%20their%20family%20and%20friends.%20For%20more%20detailed%20information%20please%20contact%20your%20physician%20or%20local%20support%20group.What%20is%20a%20spinal%20cord%20injury?SCI%20is%20defined%20as%20any%20injury%20to%20the%20spinal%20cord%20that%20is%20the%20result%20of%20trauma%20rather%20than%20disease.%20The%20spinal...){kind=link}
Living with a Spinal Cord Injury
Living with a Spinal Cord Injury
Living with a Spinal Cord InjuryThis article provides a brief description of Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and related information that could be of service to a sufferer or their family and friends. For more detailed information please contact your physician or local support group.
What is a spinal cord injury?
SCI is defined as any injury to the spinal cord that is the result of trauma rather than disease. The spinal cord is a long thin bundle of nerves that extends down a person's vertebral column from the brain. The spinal cords primary function is the transmission of signals from the brain to the rest of the body, the signals include motor, sensory and reflex information. There is a broad range of SCIs ranging from a complete' SCI, where no motor or sensory function is preserved, to an incomplete' SCI where a range or sensory and motor functions are retained.
What causes spinal cord injury?
The trauma that affects the spinal cord can be separated into two groups, blunt SCI or penetrating SCI. Blunt SCIs are the result of compression, rotation, hyperextension or hyperflexion, which can be caused by motor accidents, falls or being crushed. Penetrating SCIs are caused by a foreign object entering the body and hitting the spinal cord, an example of this would be a knife or a bullet.
What are the symptoms of spinal cord injury?
The symptoms of a SCI are very dependent on what part of the spinal cord has been affected and the cause of the injury. The best known symptom of a SCI is paralysis. The type of paralysis depends on what area of the spine is affected.
Tetraplegia also known as Quadriplegia occurs when the neck area (cervical) of the spinal cord is injured. A Tetraplegic is unable to move their arms or legs.
Paraplegia results when the spinal cord is damaged below the neck area in either the thoracic (mid back) or the lumbar (lower back) regions. A paraplegic is unable to move their legs.
If a person is not paralyzed by a SCI they may still lose some sensation in their body and have difficulty with movement and muscle control. Other serious affects include the loss of ability to breathe unassisted or regulate the body's temperature. Incontinence, blood clots and infections are also common symptoms. Sufferers may also experience infertility and sexual dysfunction.
What are the treatments for spinal cord injuries?
Accepted modern medical practice provides that if a SCI is suspected the patient will be treated as if they have a confirmed SCI. This practice is used to limit further damage to the spinal cord due to moving the patient. To achieve this goal, patients are immobilized as soon as possible using a long spine board, which they are kept on until their injury has been confirmed or ruled out either by CT scan or x-ray. If a spinal cord injury is confirmed surgery or medication is given to try and stop further damage.
Typically a patient that has experienced a complete' spinal cord injury will not recover any sensory or movement functions but those with incomplete' injuries may recover some function, usually within 6 months of the injury occurring. Occupational therapy can assist a SCI patient to operate in daily life. Depending on the extent of paralysis a person may require full time care to complete basic everyday tasks such as going to the toilet or cooking meals. A registered nurse may be required for this care if the injured person has medical or behavioral needs. Utilizing wheelchairs, bed lifts, shower chairs, walkers and wall bars maybe able to assist a person to independently undertake normal everyday tasks such as showering. A person with a spinal cord injury may benefit from therapy and support groups.
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