Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury

Immediately after an accident, signs or symptoms that could indicate a person has suffered a spinal cord injury include:

Treatment for a Spinal Cord Injury

Immediately after a spinal cord injury, treatment is aimed at preventing further injury to the head, neck, back, and spinal cord. Doctors will also work to maintain a victim’s breathing ability and avoid complications of paralysis.

If a doctor or emergency responder suspects a spinal cord injury, the victim’s neck and back may be immobilized to minimize the risk of additional damage. The patient might be given medications to help reduce swelling of tissues around the affected spinal cord area. Depending on the cause of the injury, the person might undergo surgery to repair vertebrae and herniated discs or remove foreign objects. Surgery can also stabilize the spine to prevent future complications.

Once the condition stabilizes, treatment shifts to treating or preventing complications and rehabilitation. Doctors might prescribe medication to help prevent muscle loss and reduce the risk of blood clots and infections. Spinal cord injury victims might also undergo procedures to equip them with medical devices that can help with necessary functions.

Rehabilitation efforts are designed to help maintain or build back muscle strength and motor function. Patients may also learn adaptive techniques to live as independently as possible.

Long-Term Effects of a Spinal Cord Injury

The long-term effects and symptoms of a spinal cord injury vary depending on the type of injury. Spinal cord injuries are usually classified as incomplete or complete:

• An incomplete spinal cord injury means that the spinal cord was not completely severed, and a person retains some feeling or function in the affected parts of the body.
• In contrast, a complete injury involves a complete severing of the spinal cord and a total loss of feeling, function, and movement in the affected part of the body.

The effects of either type of spinal cord injury depend on the location of the injury on the spine. The parts of the body below this location will be affected.

The long-term effects of a spinal cord injury can include:

• Intense nerve pain or stinging sensation at the point of the spinal cord injury
• Loss of movement or paralysis
• Paralysis of the legs, pelvis, and trunk, known as paraplegia
• Paralysis affecting both the lower and upper torso, known as quadriplegia or tetraplegia
• Loss of ability to feel touch, heat, or cold, or altered sensation
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Muscle spasms or exaggerated reflexes
• Loss of or changes to sexual function or sensitivity
• Breathing problems, such as difficulty coughing and clearing the lungs