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A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord that causes changes in its function. These changes can be temporary or permanent and can affect the ability to feel, move, and control the body. The spinal cord is a long, thin bundle of nerves that runs down the back of the brain. It is surrounded by the bones of the spine (vertebrae). The spinal cord carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body. It also controls the movement of the body and the ability to feel sensations.
When the spinal cord is damaged, the ability to send messages from the brain to the body is disrupted. This can cause problems with movement, feeling, and control. Spinal cord injuries can be devastating because they can lead to paralysis (an inability to move parts of the body) and loss of sensation. There are two types of spinal cord injuries:
Complete
A complete spinal cord injury means that the cord can no longer send messages below the level of the injury. This type of injury results in paralysis. Book an appointment to have the best treatment.
Incomplete
An incomplete spinal cord injury means that the cord is still able to send messages below the level of the injury. This type of injury typically results in partial paralysis.
Pre-Procedure
Before any procedure is undertaken to treat a spinal cord injury, a number of tests will be conducted to assess the severity of the injury and to determine the best course of treatment.
Imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, will be used to get a detailed look at the spine and the spinal cord. These tests can help to show the location and extent of the injury.
Functional tests, such as the ASIA exam, will be used to assess the function of the spinal cord. This information is important in determining the best course of treatment.
Treatment
There are a number of different treatments for a spinal cord injury, depending on the severity of the injury.
For milder injuries, treatment may simply involve rest and pain relief. More severe injuries may require surgery to repair the damage to the spinal cord. In some cases, a person with a spinal cord injury may need to be on a ventilator (breathing machine) to help them breathe.
After the initial treatment, rehabilitation is an important part of recovery. Rehabilitation may involve physical therapy, occupational therapy, and/or speech therapy. The goal of rehabilitation is to help the person with a spinal cord injury regain as much function as possible. Visit our physiotherapy treatment hospital in Bangalore for the best treatment.
In some cases, a person with a spinal cord injury may be able to receive treatment that can improve their condition. For example, a procedure called epidural stimulation can help some people with paralysis regain movement. Epidural stimulation involves surgically placing a device on the spine that sends electrical signals to the spinal cord. These signals can help the spinal cord to function better.
There is also a new treatment called stem cell transplant that is being studied. In this treatment, stem cells are transplanted into the spinal cord. These cells can help to repair the damage to the spinal cord and improve function. Clinical trials are ongoing to test these and other new treatments for spinal cord injury.
After-Procedure
After a person has had a spinal cord injury, they will need to go through rehabilitation. Rehabilitation is an important part of recovery. Rehabilitation may involve physical therapy, occupational therapy, and/or speech therapy. The goal of rehabilitation is to help the person with a spinal cord injury regain as much function as possible.
In some cases, a person with a spinal cord injury may be able to receive treatment that can improve their condition. For example, a procedure called epidural stimulation can help some people with paralysis regain movement. Epidural stimulation involves surgically placing a device on the spine that sends electrical signals to the spinal cord, and these signals can help the spinal cord to function better.
Risks Involved in the Treatment
There are many risks involved in treating a spinal cord injury, some of which can be permanent or life-threatening.
One of the most significant risks is the possibility of paralysis. It can occur if the injury is severe enough to damage the spinal cord permanently. Even if the paralysis is only temporary, it can still lead to a loss of function and mobility.
Another risk is the possibility of infection. It is a serious concern because the spinal cord is surrounded by the bones of the spine, which protect it from outside contaminants. If an infection does occur, it can spread quickly and be difficult to treat.
Another concern is the possibility of blood clots. These can form in the injured area and can cause serious problems if they move to other parts of the body, such as the lungs.
Experience world-class healthcare at Manipal Hospitals. Our expert team of doctors and state-of-the-art facilities ensure personalized and advanced treatments. Take the first step towards wellness. Book an appointment today.
