The spinal cord is the major nerve bundle that carries all the impulses from the brain to other parts of the body. The vertebrae surround the spinal cord and protect it. The two, in combination, make the spinal column, which is also called the backbone.
An acute spinal cord injury can happen for many different reasons, from a fall to a car accident. When this kind of injury occurs, severe damage to the spinal column and the spinal cord itself can cause issues with communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Spinal cord injuries and back injuries are not the same kinds of injuries. The back itself can be injured without causing damage to the spinal cord. Acute spinal cord injuries are very severe and can lead to long-term paralysis and other problems.
The symptoms of acute spinal cord injury can vary, but there are some commonly shared symptoms that are always present. The location of the acute spinal cord injury can impact the areas of the body that experience symptoms as well.
Acute spinal cord injuries are often related to things like car accidents, falls, or sports injuries. They can also happen as a result of an industrial or job-related accident. In some cases, acute spinal cord injury can be related to conditions like polio or spina bifida or degeneration of the spine related to arthritis.
Spinal cord trauma that is severe often injures the spinal cord to some degree. However, in the case of an acute spinal cord injury, the symptoms are often more severe, and the prognosis is much less favourable than in other spine injuries. The spinal cord is delicate and does not always heal very well after this kind of injury.
Risk factors for spinal cord injuries are playing contact sports like football, riding a bike or motorcycle regularly, working in construction or on ladders every day, or having pre-existing health conditions that lead to a weakened spinal bone structure.
Diagnosis of an acute spinal injury is made through the use of a physical exam to test reflexes or lack thereof, to get a pain scale measurement, and to look for other symptoms related to nerve pain or limited sensation in extremities. Once these tests have been done, spinal x-rays will be taken and there will usually need to be an MRI or CT done to visualise the spine. The combination of all of these tests will determine what course of action must be taken to treat this kind of serious injury.
Prevention of an acute spinal cord injury is not always possible as these kinds of injuries are usually related to accidents. However, engaging in sports that have a high degree of risk for this kind of injury can make it more likely that you will get an acute spinal cord injury. Always wear your seatbelt when you are driving, and be sure to avoid risk-taking behaviour that might lead to an accident if possible.
Treatment of an acute spinal cord injury can vary widely based on the location of the injury along the spinal cord. This is a condition that requires immediate treatment because of the life-threatening complication that accompanies it.
In most cases, doctors will give dexamethasone to reduce swelling of the spinal cord and try to protect the spinal column and cord from more damage. Surgery might be needed to stabilise broken bones. Bed rest will be required for a time, and physical therapy and long-term rehabilitation therapy will also be prescribed. Acute spinal cord injuries cannot be cured, and the degree to which a patient heals can vary widely. Some people who have suffered this kind of injury will regain most, if not all, of their function and flexibility. Many others will be paralyzed or have physical limitations for the rest of their life.