Spinal Cord Injury

>> Overview

• Spinal cord injury is otherwise called 'myelopathy' 
• It results in an injury to the nerve fibers in the cord 
• Can cause loss of physical sensation and mobility 
• Spinal cord remains intact in most of the injuries 
• Complete injury causes no movement/sensation below injury 
• Incomplete injury-retains some movement/sensation below injury 
• Physical therapy, ventilators, wheel chairs often required 

    >> Causes

• Automobile accidents 
• Diving accidents
• Falls 
• Shot by a gun 
• Conditions like
  a. Polio
  b. Tumor
  c. Spina Bifida
  d. Friedreich's Ataxia 

  >> Symptoms

• Loss of sensation 
• Loss of motor functions 
• Loss of bowel/bladder functions 
• Sexual function can get affected 
• Loss of involuntary functions, like breathing 
• Inability to control rate of heart beat 
• Inability to sweat 
• Chronic pain 

  >> TreatmentSeek medical help or call for an ambulance as soon as possible. Meanwhile- 

• Move the person, if surrounding is not safe 
• Immobilize the head, neck and body on both sides
• Movements may dislocate vertebra and cause further injury 
• If there is no sign of breathing, perform CPR 
• Do not tilt head backward during CPR 

  >> Prevention

• Always wear a seat belt while driving 
• Use special seat belts for children and babies
• Do not drink and drive 
• Do not dive into a shallow pool area