Spinal cord injury (SCI) involves damage to the spinal cord that results in a loss of function, such as mobility or sensation. The severity and implications of the injury depend on the type and level of the injury. Here is an overview of its types, symptoms, causes, and treatment:

Types

  1. Complete Injury: Results in a total loss of sensation and motor function below the injury level.

  2. Incomplete Injury: Some sensory or motor function remains below the affected area. There are various forms, such as Anterior Cord Syndrome, Central Cord Syndrome, and Brown-Séquard Syndrome, each with different symptom profiles.

Symptoms

  • Loss of Movement

  • Loss of Sensation, including the ability to feel heat, cold, and touch

  • Loss of Bowel or Bladder Control

  • Exaggerated Reflexes or Spasms

  • Changes in Sexual Function, Sexual Sensitivity, and Fertility

  • Pain or an Intense Stinging Sensation caused by damage to the nerve fibers in the spinal cord

  • Difficulty Breathing, Coughing, or Clearing Secretions from your lungs

Causes

  • Traumatic SCI: Often results from a sudden, traumatic blow to the spine that fractures, dislocates, crushes, or compresses one or more of the vertebrae. Causes include vehicular accidents, falls, acts of violence (such as gunshot wounds), and sports injuries.

  • Non-Traumatic SCI: Can result from arthritis, cancer, inflammation, infections, or disc degeneration of the spine.

Treatment

  • Emergency Measures: Immediate immobilization and transport to a hospital. Use of corticosteroids to reduce swelling may be considered.

  • Surgery: Often necessary to remove fragments of bones, foreign objects, herniated discs, or fractured vertebrae that are compressing the spine.

  • Rehabilitation: Includes physical therapy to strengthen muscles, occupational therapy for skills and tools needed for daily living, and psychological counseling.

  • Medications: To manage pain, bowel and bladder control, and to reduce spasticity.

  • Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs, computer adaptations, electronic aids to daily living, and adaptive equipment.

  • Experimental Treatments: Includes ongoing research in nerve cell transplantation, functional electrical stimulation, and other strategies to promote nerve cell regeneration or improve the function of the nerves that remain after an SCI.

Living with SCI

  • Lifestyle Adaptations: Modifications in home and work environments.

  • Social and Emotional Support: Including support groups and counseling.

  • Long-term Health Management: Attention to potential secondary conditions like pressure sores, urinary tract infections, and respiratory infections.

The prognosis of spinal cord injury varies greatly depending on the location and severity of the injury. Early medical intervention and comprehensive rehabilitation can significantly affect the extent of recovery.