Causes Of Spinal Cord Injury - Exploring The Hidden Dangers
Understanding the causes of spinal cord injury is crucial not only for raising awareness but also for implementing preventive measures that can help reduce the risk of these traumatic incidents.
Author:Dr. Bill ButcherNov 20, 20237.2K Shares139.1K Views
A spinal cord injurycan be a devastating and life-changing event, impacting an individual's mobility, independence, and overall quality of life.
Understanding the causes of spinal cord injuryis crucial not only for raising awareness but also for implementing preventive measures that can help reduce the risk of these traumatic incidents.
From accidents to medical conditions, a range of factors can lead to spinal cord injuries, each with its own set of implications.
In this article, we delve into the various causes of spinal cord injury, shedding light on the circumstances that can result in this profound and often irreversible condition.
What Is A Spinal Cord Injury?
An injuryto the spinal cord disrupts the transmission and reception of messages between the brain and the rest of the body. The spinal cord travels through the spine from the base of the brain to the sacrum.
An SCI may result from traumato the spinal cord itself or to the vertebrae and supporting tissues that surround it. Changes in sensation, movement, strength, and other functions below the site of injury may result, either temporarily or permanently, from this kind of damage.
Symptoms
The degree and location of the lesion to the spinal cord determine the extent of the impairment. Paralysis of the upper body and all four limbs (tetraplegiaor quadriplegia) may result from damage to the spinal cord further up the spine. Paraplegiais paralysis of the legs and lower body caused by damage to the lower part of the spinal cord.
Damage to the nerve fibers crossing the site of injury in a spinal cord injury may range from minimal to catastrophic. Injuries with little or no nerve cell loss often allow for a full or near-full recovery.
Some of the signs and symptoms of a spinal cord injury are:
- Changes in or lack of feeling in the hands and feet
- Paralysis that may occur suddenly or gradually as a result of spinal cord enlargement and hemorrhage.
- Headache, neck pain, or backache
- Inability to move
- Weakness or immobility Unnatural postures of the neck and shoulders
- Control of urination and defecation is lost
- Issues with ambulation
- Breathing issues
- Alterations to Sexual Role Function
Disorders Of The Spinal Cord
There are two distinct categories of spinal cord injuries: complete and incomplete. When a spinal cord damage is just partial, certain signals may still reach and be received by the brain. People with incomplete injuries may still be able to feel things below the damage site and may have some control over their muscles.
When a nerve is completely severed, all sensation and movement below the lesion site ceases to exist. The first, or primary, injury damage occurs right away. Inflammation, edema, altered cellular activity, and cell death can contribute to secondary injuries, such as compression of the spinal cord and vertebrae.
Spinal Cord Anatomy
The spinal cord is made up of neurons, glial cells, axons (which carry nerve impulses), and blood vessels in a soft, cylindrical column. It's responsible for relaying messages to and from the brain and other parts of the body.
Rhythmic breathing and walking are only two examples of the intricate movement patterns that are coordinated by millions of nerve cells in the spinal cord.
The spinal cord is protected by a canal formed by the spinal bones that runs from the brain to the lower back. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounds the spinal cord and functions as a cushion to protect it from trauma. The spinal cord, like the brain, is covered by three layers of tissue. Spinal cord contain:
- A network of nerve cells (gray matter) and the projections they use to communicate with one another.
- Clusters of axons, some of which are sheathed in a fatty, protein-rich white material (white matter).
The spinal cord isn't the only source of nerve cells that send signals to the brain. Connecting the spinal cord to the muscles and other areas of the body are 31 pairs of nerves, each of which includes thousands of axons.
The cervical spinal nerves (C1 to C8) extend from the spinal cord at the base of the skull and regulate movement throughout the upper body, including the shoulders, arms, and diaphragm.
Signals to the chest muscles, certain back muscles, and numerous organ systems, including sections of the belly, are controlled by the thoracic spinal nerves (T1 to T12), which exit the spinal cord at the upper mid-back.
Some of the external genitalia, the buttocks, and the lower half of the leg are all served by the five lumbar spinal nerves that branch from the spinal cord in the lower back.
From their origin in the lumbar spine, the sacral spinal nerves (S1 to S5) govern movement and sensation in the buttocks, legs, feet, and most of the external genitalia, including the genital crease.
The spinal column is comprised of 33 bony rings (vertebrae), pads of semi-rigid cartilage (discs), and thin gaps (foramen) that allow spinal nerves to exit and enter the spinal cord and the rest of the body. These are the most at-risk zones for injuring the spinal cord.
Causes Of Spinal Cord Injury
A spinal cord injury is often the outcome of an unforeseen accident or severe occurrence. All of the following may cause spinal cord damage:
- A violent assault, such as a stabbing or a shooting
- Plunging into shallow water and striking the bottom trauma
- During a vehicle accident, particularly trauma to the face, head, and neck region, back, or chest area
- Falling from a large height
- Head or spinal injuries during athletic events
- Electrical mishaps
- Significant twisting of the torso's central section
Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries | Causes, Effects and Classifications | Neuroanatomy
How Does A Spinal Cord Injury Affect The Brain?
During a typical process, the brain uses the spinal cord to relay information to various areas of the body, which ultimately results in movement. If there is injury to the spinal cord, the brain's message will not be able to reach its destination.
Signals are received by the spinal nerves below the level of the damage, but they are unable to go further up the spinal tracts, where they would reach the brain.
Although reflex motions are possible, they are not movements that can be controlled by the individual. It is possible for them to occur whenever the foot is touched or while coughing.
What Should I Do If I Suspect A Spinal Cord Injury?
If you suspect you or someone else has suffered a spinal cord injury, follow the steps below:
- Call 911 immediately. The faster medical assistance comes, the better.
- Unless absolutely essential, avoid moving or disturbing the individual. This involves trying to remove a helmet or adjusting the person's head.
- Encourage the individual to remain as motionless as possible, even if they believe they are capable of standing and walking on their own.
- Perform CPR if the victim is not breathing. However, do not tilt your head back. Move the jaw forward instead.
When the patient arrives at the hospital, physicians will do a physical examination as well as a comprehensive neurological assessment. This will assist them in determining whether or not there is a spinal cord damage and where it is located.
Doctors may use the diagnostic tools like CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays of the spine are all used to perform evoked potential testing, which assesses how rapidly nerve impulses reach the brain.
Risk Factors
Although a spinal cord injury is generally the consequence of an accident and may happen to anybody, some variables might predispose you to getting one. These include:
- Being a man- Men are disproportionately affected by spinal cord injury. In reality, only around 20% of severe spinal cord injuries in the United States are sustained by women.
- Being between the ages of 16 and 30- This age group accounts for more than half of all spinal cord injuries.
- Being above the age of 65- Another increase in spinal cord injuries comes around the age of 65. The majority of injuries in older individuals are caused by falls.
- Use of alcoholic beverages- Alcohol is linked in around 25% of all traumatic spinal cord injuries.
- Taking a dangerous action- Diving into too-deep water or participating in sports without the required safety equipment or measures may result in spinal cord damage. Motor vehicle accidents are the major cause of spinal cord injury in persons under the age of 65.
- Having specific illnesses- If you have another illness that affects your joints or bones, such as osteoporosis, even a little incident might result in a spinal cord damage.
How To Prevent Spinal Cord Injury
Following following advice may lower your chances of suffering a spinal cord injury:
- Drive carefully- One of the most prevalent causes of spinal cord damage is car accidents. Wear your seat belt whenever you are in a moving car. Make sure your children wear a seat belt or utilize a kid safety seat that is suitable for their age and weight. Children under the age of 12 should always travel in the rear seat to avoid air bag injuries.
- Before diving, check the water depth- Don't dive into a pool unless it's 12 feet (3.7 meters) or deeper, and don't dive into an aboveground pool unless you know how deep it is.
- Avoid falls- To reach high-up items, use a step stool with a grab bar. Install railings on stairwells. Nonslip mats should be placed on tile floors and in the tub or shower. Use safety gates to restrict staircases for small children, and consider adding window guards.
- When participating in sports, take care- Always wear the necessary safety equipment. In athletics, avoid using your head to lead. In baseball, for example, don't slide headfirst, and in football, don't tackle with the top of your helmet. When learning new gymnastics techniques, use a spotter.
- You should not drink while driving- Don't drive if you're inebriated or high on drugs. Don't ride with an inebriated driver.
People Also Ask
How Do Car Accidents Contribute To Spinal Cord Injuries?
Car accidents, especially those involving high speeds or reckless driving, can lead to spinal cord injuries due to the forceful impact and trauma sustained during the collision.
Can Medical Conditions Lead To Spinal Cord Injuries?
Yes, certain medical conditions like spinal tumors, infections, and degenerative disorders can potentially cause spinal cord injuries by compressing or damaging the spinal cord.
What Safety Measures Can Help Prevent Spinal Cord Injuries In Elderly Individuals?
Preventing falls, using assistive devices, and modifying home environments are essential safety measures to reduce the risk of spinal cord injuries among the elderly.
Are There Specific Precautions To Avoid Spinal Cord Injuries During Recreational Activities?
Engaging in recreational activities like diving, skiing, and biking require following safety guidelines and using proper equipment to minimize the risk of spinal cord injuries.
Final Thoughts
The causes of spinal cord injury underscore the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in safeguarding individuals from these life-altering events.
Accidents, falls, sports-related incidents, and medical conditions can all lead to spinal cord injuries, disrupting lives and challenging both individuals and their families.
By understanding these causes and their potential consequences, we can work collectively to promote safety awareness, implement preventative strategies, and advocate for better medical care and rehabilitation for those affected.
Through education, research, and a commitment to minimizing risk, we can strive towards a future where spinal cord injuries are greatly reduced, allowing individuals to lead fulfilling and unhindered lives.
Dr. Bill Butcher
Author
With more than two decades of experience, Dr. Bill Butcher aims to provide a repository for educational materials, sources of information, details of forthcoming events, and original articles related to the medical field and about health subjects that matter to you. His goal is to help make your life better, to help you find your way when faced with healthcare decisions, and to help you feel better about your health and that of your family.
Bill received his medical degree at Boston University School of Medicine and spent his entire career helping people find the health and medical information, support, and services they need. His mission is to help millions of people feel fantastic by restoring them to optimal health.
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