The spinal cord contains the nerves that carry messages between your brain and body. The cord passes through your neck and back. A spinal cord injuryis very serious because it can cause loss of movement (paralysis) below the site of the injury.
Alternative NamesNeck injury
ConsiderationsWhen someone has a spinal injury, additional movement may cause further damage to the nerves in the cord and can sometimes mean the difference between life and death.
If you think someone could possibly have a spinal injury, do not move the injured person even a little bit, unless it is absolutely necessary (for example, if you need to get someone out of a burning car).
If you are not sure if a person has a spinal injury, assume that he or she does have one.
CausesThe main goal is to keep the person immobile and safe until medical help arrives.
IF THE PERSON IS UNRESPONSIVE
IF YOU NEED TO ROLL THE PERSON
Do not roll the person over unless the person is vomiting or choking on blood, or you need to check for breathing.
Call you local emergency number (such as 911) if there has been any injury that affects the neck or spinal cord. Keep the person absolutely still. Unless there is urgent danger, keep the person in the position where found.
PreventionHockberger RS, Kaji AH, Newton EJ. Spinal injuries. In: Marx J, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. St Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2006:chap 40.
Hoyt DB, Coimbra R, Acosta J. Management of acute trauma. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 20.
DeLee JC, Drez, Jr., D, Miller MD, eds. DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2003:798,837.
Marcia Hanak has written: 'Spinal cord injury' -- subject(s): Nursing, People with disabilities, Rehabilitation, Spinal Cord Injuries, Spinal cord, Wounds and injuries, Spinal cord injuries
Alan G. Hardy has written: 'Spinal cord injuries' -- subject(s): Spinal Cord Injuries, Spinal cord, Wounds and injuries 'Practical management of spinal injuries' -- subject(s): Nursing, Orthopedic nursing, Spinal Injuries, Spine, Wounds and injuries
Yes, spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis in any vertebrate.
The higher the injuries are in the spinal cord, the more structures are affected. Any injury above the C5 level is frequently lethal as it affects the diaphragm for breathing.
There are scientists and doctors working to understand the spinal cord and find a cure for paralysis. There are physical therapists helping survivors of spinal cord injuries. There are Chiropractors who help to maintain spine health. There are numerous jobs in spinal cord injury rehabilitation hospitals.
Jewell L. Osterholm has written: 'The pathophysiology of spinal cord trauma' -- subject(s): Pathophysiology, Physiopathology, Spinal Cord Injuries, Spinal cord, Wounds and injuries
Ernest Bors has written: 'Neurological urology' 'Spinal cord injuries' -- subject(s): Spinal cord, Wounds and injuries
men get more injuries
According to The University of Alabama's National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), which compiles the data, approximately 11,000 spinal cord injuries (SCIs) occur each year
spinal cord because you can be paralyzed or possibly even die.
In relation to spinal cord injuries, AD refers to Autonomic Dysreflexia.
There are two types of spinal cord injuries. Complete spinal cord injuries refer to the types of injuries that result in complete loss of function below the level of the injury, while incomplete spinal cord injuries are those that result in some sensation and feeling below the point of injury. The level and degree of function in incomplete injuries is highly individual, and is dependent upon the way in which the spinal cord has been damaged.http://www.brainandspinalcord.org/spinal-cord-injuries/index.htmlThe prognosis of a particular spinal cord injury varies depending upon where along the spinal column the spinal cord has been injured, the severity of the injury, and which nerve fibers are damaged. As a general rule of thumb, some recovery can be expected within the first six months following injury. After six months, additional recovery is unlikelyhttp://www.brainandspinalcord.org/spinal-cord-injury/index.html A combination of physical therapy, electronic aides, medications, and surgeries can be used to help SCI survivors regain as much function as possible after injury.