Medical Health Encyclopedia

Spinal cord trauma

Only about 5% of spinal cord injuries occur in children. The fatality rate is higher with pediatric spine injuries.

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Risk factors include participating in risky physical activities, not wearing protective gear during work or play, or diving into shallow water.

Older people with weakened spines (from osteoporosis) may be more likely to have a spinal cord injury. Patients who have other medical problems that make them prone to falling from weakness or clumsiness (from stroke, for example) may also be more susceptible.

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