A spinal cord injury (SCI) involves damage to the spinal cord and nerve roots. Car accidents, falls, violent acts, and non-traumatic disorders can injure the spinal cord. SCI temporarily or permanently stops or alters the ability of the brain to communicate with other parts of the body.

Diagnosis 
When spinal cord injury is suspected (e.g., spinal fracture) immediate medical attention is required. Spinal cord injury (SCI) is usually first diagnosed when the patient presents with a loss of function below the level of injury.

The initial evaluation includes x-rays, a CT scan, and possibly a MRI. Fractures are demonstrated on plain radiographs. CT scanning and MRI studies are used to evaluate the soft tissues in the spinal column. In addition, a myelogram may be performed to identify and evaluate spinal cord lesions caused by trauma or disease.

The neurologic evaluation includes assessment of the patient's symptoms, which might include loss of motor or sensory function. Other neurologic symptoms may include pain, numbness, paresthesias (e.g., tingling), muscle spasm, weakness, and bowel/bladder changes.

CAUSES OF SPINAL CORD INJURY

Most common traumatic SCI causes include:

1. •Motor vehicle accidents (car, motorcycle)
   

2. •Gunshot
   

3. •Stabbing (knife wounds)
   

4. •Falling
   

5. •Diving into a shallow pool
   

6. •Gymnastics injuries
   

7. •Being thrown off while horseback riding
   

8. •Football injuries
   

9. •Hockey injuries
   

10. •Bicycle accidents
    

11. 
    

Non-traumatic SCI causes include:

1. •Arachnoiditis
   

2. •Ischemia (restricted blood flow)
   

3. •Spina bifida
   

4. •Spinal ataxia (hereditary disease affecting the neuromuscular system)
   

5. •Spinal cysts, tumors
   

6. •Spinal fracture caused by osteoporosis
   

7. •Spinal stenosis
   

8. •Spondylosis
   

9. •Transverse myelitis (rare) (inflammation of the spinal cord)
   

10. •Vascular malformations (malformations in the blood supply system), such as arteriovenous malformations or spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas
    

11. 
    

Signs and Symptoms of Possible Spinal Cord Injury

1. •Extreme pain or pressure in the neck, head or back  
   

2. •Tingling or loss of sensation in the hand, fingers, feet, or toes
   

3. •Partial or complete loss of control over any part of the body
   

4. •Urinary or bowel urgency, incontinence, or retention
   

5. •Difficulty with balance and walking
   

6. •Abnormal band-like sensations in the thorax - pain, pressure
   

7. •Impaired breathing after injury
   

8. •Unusual lumps on the head or spine 
   

 

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