Spinal cord injury is a leading cause of paralysis. When the spinal cord is injured, it prevents messages from being passed through the area of the spinal cord where the lesion occurred. As a result, the areas of the body below the area of injury are affected.
Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injury
Symptoms of spinal cord injury include:
- Lack of movement
- Lack of sensation
- Difficulty breathing, or inability to breathe
- Issues with bladder and bowel control
- Issues regulating the systems of the body, such as temperature and blood pressure
The severity of symptoms will depend upon where the injury occurred, as well as whether the injury was complete or incomplete.
Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury
Early treatment will focus on reducing the inflammation that can cause secondary complications and increased disability. Later treatment will focus on returning the spinal cord injury survivor to the maximum function possible, as well as helping him or her adapt and adjust to the injury.