Fact Checked
Overview Of Spinal Cord Injury
- Injury to the spinal cord is also known as ‘myelopathy‘
- It is caused by an injury sustained to the nerve fibers in the spinal cord
- If this is damaged it can cause problems with flexibility and general movement
Injury to the spinal cord is also known as ‘myelopathy’ - In most of the injuries, the spinal cord remains intact
- Widespread injury results in no movement or any feeling surrounding the injury
- Partial injury to the spinal cord involves some feeling and a bit of movement below the injury
- Physical therapy and wheelchairs are usually vital to help victims of spinal cord injuries.
Causes Of Spinal Cord Injury
- Accidents caused by vehicles
- Accidents caused by diving
- Spinal injury resulting in a severe fall
- Damage sustained to the spinal cord by shots from a gun
- Disorders like
a. Spina Bifida
b. Friedreich’s Ataxia
c. Polio
d. Tumor
Symptoms Of Spinal Cord Injury
- The casualty will start to lose feeling in their limbs
- There will be a loss of all main functions
- Casualty’s will wet themselves due to loss of bladder control
- Sex functions will also be affected
- Breathing will be affected, particularly the lungs
- The casualty will be unable to control their heart rate
- Casualty’s will have problems with their sweat glands
- There will be chronic pain affecting the spinal cord
Treatment Of Spinal Cord Injuries
Phone for an ambulance as soon as possible for medical assistance. In the meantime:
- Transfer the casualty, if the surrounding area is not safe
- Restrain the neck, body and head on either side
- Movements could displace the vertebra and result in more damage
- Carry out CPR if you notice that the casualty is not breathing
- While you are performing CPR do not lean the head back.
Prevention Of Spinal Cord Injuries
- When driving, make sure you always wear your seat belt
- There are unique seat belts that you can use for kids and babies
- Be responsible and don’t drink or drive
- When swimming, make sure you don’t dive into the shallow end of the pool.
Related Video On Spinal Cord Injuries
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rJ52RF-S7U