Description
Damage to the spinal cord. The most common types of injury are: direct compression from a spine fracture, hematoma, or abscess; lack of blood supply from a blood vessel injury supplying the spinal cord; direct injury from trauma such as a gunshot wound or stabbing; or stretching of the spinal cord during trauma causing a bruise of the spinal cord. The location and severity of the injury determines the nerve deficits experienced. If the injury is high in the neck death can result from inability to breathe.
Symptoms
Weakness, numbness, back or neck pain, loss of bladder or bowel control, inability to urinate and urinary retention, impotence.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to determine the cause and extent of the injury will be performed.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Specialists:
Neurosurgery, Pediatric Neurosurgery
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to determine the cause and extent of the injury will be performed.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Specialists:
Neurosurgery, Pediatric Neurosurgery
Treatment
Surgery may be performed to remove any compression of the cord, make the spine stable if bone injury has occurred, and realign any fractured bones. High dose steroids may be prescribed to reduce swelling and compression of the spinal cord. Intubation and mechanical ventilation may be necessary to support the respirations.