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What is an acute spinal cord injury?

Your spine is made up of several bones known as vertebrae. Your spinal cord passes through a canal in the core of these bones as it descends. The spinal cord is a network of nerves that transmits messages for movement and sensation between the brain and the rest of the body.

Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is caused by a violent damage to the spinal cord that bruises, partially tears, or fully shreds it. SCI is a leading cause of long-term impairment and death in both children and adults.

What causes an acute spinal cord injury?

SCI can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common injuries occur when the spine or neck is bent or squeezed, as in the following scenarios:

• Falls
• Motor vehicle accidents (automobiles, motorcycles, and being struck as a pedestrian)
• Sports injuries
• Diving accidents
• Trampoline accidents
• Violence (gunshot or stab wounds)
• Infections that form an abscess on the spinal cord
• Birth injuries, which typically affect the spinal cord in the neck area

What are the risk factors for acute spinal cord injury?

Some people are more vulnerable to SCI than others. The average age at the time of injury has risen over the last few decades to 42 years. The majority of patients who suffer from SCIs are men. Non-Hispanic whites are more likely than any other ethnic group to suffer from SCI.

How are acute spinal cord injuries diagnosed?

Acute SCI is considered a medical emergency. When there is a suspected spinal cord injury, an emergency assessment is required.

The consequences of a SCI may not be obvious at first. A thorough medical examination and tests are required. SCI is diagnosed with a physical exam and diagnostic tests. The healthcare practitioner will ask about your medical history and how the injury occurred throughout the assessment. A spinal cord injury might result in continuing neurological issues that necessitate additional medical attention. Surgery is sometimes required to stabilise the spinal cord after an acute SCI.