Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) – is an injury to any part of the spine or nerves at the end of the spinal cord (cauda equina) usually causes permanent changes in strength, hearing and other bodily functions under the injury site.

How does Spinal Cord Injuries affect our body?

The body loses many important functions when injury means that nerves cannot communicate with the brain. A damaged spine can affect:

• The function of the bladder and intestines (intestines).
• Breathing.
• Heart rate.
• Metabolism, or the body’s process of converting food into energy.
• Muscle movement.
• Reflexes.
• sensation.

Different types of spinal Cord Injury

Since most spinal injuries are based on trauma, there are different types of spinal injuries and different types of spinal injuries. Some of the most common causes of spinal injuries include car accidents, falls, gunshot wounds, sports injuries or surgical problems.

• Complete spinal cord injury causes permanent damage to the affected spinal area. Paraplegia or tetraplegia is the result of complete spinal cord injury.
• Incomplete spinal cord injury refers to damage to part of the spine. The ability to move and the amount of feeling depends on the location of the injured spine and the severity of the injury. The results are based on the patient’s medical and medical history.

Types of incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries

The degree of sensorimotor loss experienced after incomplete spinal cord injury depends largely on the location of the damage. 4 main types of spinal cord injury lead to different types of sensorimotor loss.

1. Anterior Cord Syndrome

When two-thirds of the spine is damaged, anterior cord syndrome occurs. Many times, this results in the full loss of motor function and a new sensation below the level of injury.

A common cause of this sort of incomplete spinal cord injury is anterior spinal cord damage that stops blood from flowing to the injury site. In addition, the spinal column can be dragged forward, which might cause it as well. As a result, a condition known as anterior cord syndrome occurs. Damage to the spinothalamic tract frequently affects nerve activities that carry information about pain and temperature.

2. Central Cord Syndrome

About 15 to 25 per cent of all incomplete spinal cord injuries are caused by central cord syndrome. In most cases, it is caused by neck hyperextension, which damages the central spine. Most cases of central cord syndrome are the consequence of severe whiplash from car accidents, especially when the impact of the incident further progresses your neck.

People with central cord syndrome have more weakness in their arms than their legs. Arm nerves are in the centre, whereas leg nerves are at the sides, hence this is the reason why they are located in the middle. Auditory alterations are commonly observed in the upper back and arms, although sensory deficiencies vary. Pain, heat, and light-sensing experiences are among the most common of these alterations.

3. Posterior Cord Syndrome

When the spinal cord’s posterior portion is damaged, a condition known as posterior cord syndrome can ensue. Loss of proprioception (the capacity to know where you are in space and how you move) is common, as is the inability to tell the difference between two points of skin contact, as well as the inability to detect a deep touch below the level of injury. The ability to process pain, temperature and light-sensitive nerves is unaltered.

4. Brown-Séquard Syndrome

2-4 per cent of all SCIs are affected with Brown-Séquard syndrome, an uncommon but serious condition. It refers to a condition in which just one side of the spine is affected.

People with this sort of incomplete spinal cord injury commonly have diminished consciousness, numbness, and a sensation of vibration on the same side of the wound as other symptoms. Because of the location of the spinothalamic tracts in the middle of the spine, the other side of the damage is frequently impacted by pain and heat. Spinal cord injuries can put people at risk for a variety of additional health issues. There are two probable outcomes of partial spinal cord injury that we’ll talk about now.

Causes of incomplete spinal cord injury

The most common causes of spinal cord injury include:

• Car accidents
• falls
• Acts of violence
• Contact sports injuries
• Shooting wounds

Secondary Consequences of Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

Depending on the severity and severity of the spinal cord injury, individuals may experience several secondary outcomes. In general, the greater the pain in the spinal cord, the greater the risk of developing secondary complications. The second effects of incomplete spinal cord injury include:

• Loss of feeling
• Loss of vehicle control
• Spasticity
• Endless pain
• numbness
• Itching
• Autonomic dysreflexia

Conclusion

We can conclude by saying that the spinal cord is the most important and delicate structure in the human body and it is very important for our functioning and is directly related to the brain. Now as we know the injuries and how to prevent them. We can stay cautious.