Spinal cord trauma

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Cauda equina

Vertebra and spinal nerves

(Page 2)

Paralysis and loss of sensation of part of the body are common. This includes total paralysis or numbness and varying degrees of movement or sensation loss. Death is possible, particularly if there is paralysis of the breathing muscles.

How well a person does depends on the level of injury. Injuries near the top of the spine result in more extensive disability than do injuries low in the spine.

Recovery of some movement or sensation within 1 week usually means the person has a good chance of recovering more function, although this may take 6 months or more. Losses that remain after 6 months are more likely to be permanent.

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Routine bowel care frequently takes one hour or more on a daily basis.

A majority of people with spinal cord injury must perform bladder catheterization from time to time.

Modifications of the person's living environment are usually required.

Most people with spinal cord injury are wheelchair- or bed-bound, or have impaired mobility requiring a variety of assistive devices.

The following are possible complications of a spinal cord injury:

• Blood pressure changes - can be extreme (autonomic hyperreflexia)
• Chronic kidney disease
• Complications of immobility:
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Pulmonary infections
  • Skin breakdown
  • Contractures
• Increased risk of injury to numb areas of the body
• Increased risk of urinary tract infections
• Loss of bladder control
• Loss of bowel control
• Loss of sensation
• Loss of sexual functioning (male impotence)
• Muscle spasticity
• Pain
• Paralysis of breathing muscles
• Paralysis (paraplegia, quadriplegia)
• Pressure sores
• Shock

People living at home with spinal cord injury should do the following to prevent complications:

• Daily pulmonary care, for those who need it.
• Follow all instructions regarding bladder care to avoid infections and damage to the kidneys.
• Follow all instructions regarding routine wound care to avoid pressure sores.
• Keep immunizations up to date.
• Maintain routine health visits with their doctor.

Call your health care provider if injury to the back or neck occurs. Call 911 if there is any loss of movement or sensation. This is a medical emergency!

Management of spinal cord injury begins at the site of an accident with paramedics trained in immobilizing the injured spine to prevent further damage to the nervous system.

Someone suspected of having a spinal cord injury should NOT be moved without immobilization unless there is an immediate threat.

Review Date: 06/16/2010
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., and Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).