Spinal cord trauma: symptoms, medications, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What is spinal cord trauma?

Spinal cord trauma is trauma to any part of the spine or nerves at the ends of the spine. This condition is a severe trauma that can affect all your activities. Spinal trauma can cause sequelae / permanent sequelae such as paralysis of the hands and feet (quadriplegia) or just the legs (paraplegia).

How common is spinal cord trauma?

This health condition is common, especially men, aged 15 to 25 years. In addition, the elderly can suffer spinal trauma due to osteoporosis. You can reduce the risk factors for this condition. Contact your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of spinal cord trauma?

Symptoms depend on the position and extent of the injury. Injury to the area above the vertebrae can cause more severe symptoms such as:

• Weak or numb muscles
• Loss of bladder control
• Loss of sensation in the injured area
• Abnormal sweating
• Abnormal blood pressure
• Abnormal body temperature

There may be symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any of the signs or symptoms listed above or have any questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body works in different ways. It is better to discuss with your doctor the solution to your condition.

Cause

What causes spinal cord trauma?

Spinal trauma can occur due to a sudden impact on the spine that fractures or compresses one or more vertebrae. Other causes can be injuries (accidents, falls, etc.). Other causes that are not due to injury include arthritis, cancer, vascular disease, infection and degeneration. spinal disc. Elderly with weak spine (due to osteoporosis) may suffer spinal trauma due to minor injuries.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for spinal cord trauma?

There are many factors that can increase your risk of spinal trauma, including:

• Gender: generally affects men. In fact only 20% of female patients have cases of spinal trauma
• Age: people aged 16-30 years or over 65 years are more prone to this condition
• Participating in high-risk activities: jumping into shallow water or playing sports without suitable protective equipment can cause spinal trauma
• Other bone or joint disease

The absence of risk factors does not mean you cannot get this disease. These signs are for reference only. You should consult a specialist doctor for more information.

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are my treatment options for spinal cord trauma?

In the case of accidental spinal cord trauma, the patient needs to lie down on a flat board, fix the neck with support, and check for breathing and circulatory abilities. The spine must remain stable and immobile. Your doctor will inject the steroid methylprednisolone into acute spinal cord injuries; this method is used in the first 8 hours after the injury has occurred. In addition, your doctor may perform surgery to stabilize the spine or remove bone fragments, unidentified objects, hernias, or vertebral fractures.

Muscle stiffness, blisters on the skin from lying down for too long, urinary tract infections, thrombosis, and other complications can be treated

For spinal trauma that causes weak or paralyzed muscles, you can use medical equipment such as an electric wheelchair, computer-controlled equipment, and an electric stimulator to speed healing.

What are the usual tests for spinal cord trauma?

In the Emergency Department, your doctor can diagnose spinal trauma based on sensory sensitivity and motor skills, as well as a history of accidents.

After trauma, you may experience frequent neck pain, not be completely conscious, or have signs of muscle weakness or nerve damage. You will need to do emergency diagnostic tests, including:

• CT scan
• X-rays
• MRI

When the swelling subsides, the doctor will perform diagnostic methods on the nerves to determine the extent of the damage.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat spinal cord trauma?

The following lifestyle and home remedies can help you deal with spinal trauma:

• Call an ambulance if someone is completely unconscious or has a neck or back injury
• Carry and use protective equipment properly when participating in sports (such as diving or contact sports). Follow work environment safety regulations. Use a seat belt
• Drive carefully. Don't drive when you are completely unconscious to avoid an accident

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.