Spinal InjuriesFatal spinal injuries may not cower you down as spineless but surely they will disconcert your existence. Statistics reveal that about 450,000 people in the United States suffer from spinal cord injury and every year about 11,000 new spinal injuries are added to the list. The Spinal CordThe spinal cord is a slender and tubular structure, which is an extension of the central nervous system from the brain. It is protected by the bony vertebral column. The spinal cord transmits neural inputs from the brain to the periphery and vice versa. What Is A Spinal Cord Injury?A spinal cord injury known, as Myelopathy is a fracas in the spinal cord which can result in trounce of sensation and mobility. The Two Most Familiar Types Of Spinal Cord Injury Are: Injury from Trauma - Injuries incurred due to accidents, gunshots, falls and so on. Injury from Disease - Injuries occurring from diseases like spina bifida, tumors, polio or Friedreich's ataxia Effects Of Spinal Cord InjuryThe specific effects of spinal injuries can vary as per the type and level of the injury, which can be categorized in two types: Complete Spinal InjuriesIn a complete spinal cord injury there can be no voluntary movement or physical sensation. These spinal injuries are bilateral meaning that both sides of the body get affected similarly. There can be no function below the level of the injury. Incomplete Spinal InjuriesIn an incomplete spinal injury there can be some sensation below the level of injury. There can be some voluntary movements and one side of the body may function more than the other Some Other Effects Of Spinal Injuries Are
Locating The Spinal InjuriesTo predict what parts of the body might get affected by paralysis and loss of function it is necessary to know the precise level of injury on the spinal cord. Some Typical Spinal Cord Injury Effects By Location Cervical Injuries: A cervical or neck injury by and large results in full or partial tetraplegia. Thoracic Injuries: If a person gets injuries at the thoracic level and below it generally results in paraplegia. The head, breathing, arms and hands usually remain unaffected. Lumbar And Sacral Injuries: If the injury occurs in the lumber or sacral region of the spinal cord then the afflicted person’s control over legs, hip and anus decreases. Central Cord Syndrome: Central cord syndrome is an incomplete spinal cord injury. This injury is often referred to as inverse paraplegia because while the hands and arms are paralyzed the lower parts and legs work properly. This condition is often coupled with, hemorrhage, ischemia or necrosis concerning the central portions of the spinal cord. Treatments Of Spinal InjuriesHigh dose of methylprednisolone is used to treat traumatic spinal injuries within 8 hours of the occurrence of the injury. Depending upon the location of the injury physical therapy and orthopedic instruments like wheelchairs or standing frames are sometimes required. |
Another IRG Site ©Copyright 1997 - 2013 MedicalOnline.com.au |