When someone experiences a spinal cord injury (SCI), most people may not know how to reach or what to expect. Right after a fall, automobile accident, or other serious trauma, knowing how to recognize a potential spinal cord injury and understanding the urgency of immediate medical treatment can make the difference in the injured person’s chances for a better recovery.
Vertebrae are the bones protect the spinal column, but these hard bones can be broken or dislocated by trauma, often caused by a fall or motor vehicle accident. Pressure, pinching, or severing the spinal cord can leave an accident victim paralyzed. In certain cases, treating a less-severe injury quickly can increase the probability of recovery.
Recognize the Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries may result in one or more of the following symptoms or effects immediately following a fall or other accident involving considerable accident:
- Exaggerated reflex activities or muscle spasms (twitching)
- Extreme back pain or pressure in the neck, head or back
- Impaired breathing after injury
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Loss of movement
- Loss of sensation, including the ability to feel heat, cold and touch
- Changes in sexual function, sexual sensitivity and fertility
- Difficulty with balance and walking
- Noticeably disfigured or twisted neck or back
- Numbness, tingling or loss of sensation in the hands, fingers, feet or toes
- Pain or an intense stinging sensation caused by damage to the nerve fibers in your spinal cord
- Weakness, incoordination or paralysis in any part of the body
The Two Types of Spinal Cord Injury
Complete Spinal Injuries: In severe cases, the spinal cord is severed entirely, resulting in total paralysis below the injury site. Paralysis of the lower body and lower extremities is called paraplegia, while paralysis in all limbs, with an injury site above the chest or shoulders is known as quadriplegia. The effects of a complete injury are permanent and irreversible.
Incomplete Spinal Injuries: Some trauma might pinch or squeeze, but not completely sever, the spinal cord. Cartilage discs located between the vertebrae might be displaced or ruptured by the force of a fall or other accident. Displacement or damage to vertebrae or discs can place pressure directly on the spinal cord. Blood flow might also be temporarily blocked or leaking spinal fluid and can also fill the spinal canal and increase pressure on the cord – producing temporary or limited paralysis.
Reacting to a Spinal Cord Injury and Anticipating Treatment
A spinal cord injury is a medical emergency. In cases of suspected SCI, an ambulance or airlift (medevac) is needed to move patient to a hospital equipped for neurological care and surgery. Following an automobile crash, slip and fall, or other accident, it is important to keep a person with a suspected spinal cord injury still. If the injured person is unconscious or exhibits any of the symptoms described above – do not attempt to move him/her.
If the patient complains of numbness, tingling, or a loss of sensation in the extremities, keep the patient absolutely still until paramedics or fire rescue units arrive. If possible, advise the paramedics of the spinal cord injury. Never move the patient unless it is absolutely necessary in order to get him/her away from immediate danger, such as approaching vehicles. The back, neck and spine must be kept aligned and should not be shifted. If a spinal cord injury has occurred, a shift in the neck or spine could sever or further damage an already injured spinal cord – making the injury worse or making a potentially temporary injury permanent.
The time between the onset of injury and the initial steps of treatment is critical to mitigating secondary damage. Following any emergency surgeries or other procedures, a considerable period of bed rest in an acute care unit will follow. This time may be needed to allow the bones of the spine to heal. A patient might also be placed into spinal traction to help keep the spine from moving while it heals. Family members should not hesitate to ask questions. A spinal cord injury patient’s neurological care team can provide information on a recommended treatment plan, as well as tips for at-home care involving muscle spasms, care of the skin, and potential bowel/bladder dysfunction.
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