Understanding the Various Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are one of the most dangerous and life-threatening conditions. Depending on the nature of the injury, the symptoms and the prognosis vary. Some patients recover within just months, whereas others make almost no progress despite intense physiotherapy.
Spinal cord injuries can be divided into two main categories;
a person can sustain a complete or incomplete spinal injury. Here are the characteristics of both types:
Complete spinal cord injuries
A complete spinal cord injury is more severe. It takes place when the injury prevents the brain from sending signals below the injured area. For instance, if an injury impacts the lumbar spinal cord, the area below the waist can be paralyzed. At the same time, the motor functions in the arms and upper body may remain intact. This condition is known as paraplegia.
However, a complete cervical spine injury often leads to loss of motor functions in the upper and lower body. The medical term for this condition is tetraplegia or quadriplegia.
Incomplete spinal cord injuries
An incomplete spinal cord injury is usually caused by damage or compression to the spinal cord. It also hinders the brain from properly sending signals below the affected area. The spinal cord is partially compressed, which is why incomplete injuries manifest themselves differently in each patient.
Some patients may experience slightly impaired motor and sensory functions, whereas others can lose them altogether. Also, some incomplete spinal cord injuries lead to triplegia. In other words, they can cause loss of movement and sensation in both legs and one arm.
Incomplete spinal cord injuries have several subtypes:
Brown-Sequard syndrome: This syndrome occurs due to harm to either side of the spinal cord. One side of the body can experience more severe damage. For example, a person may not move their left side yet retain full movement on the right side. The degree to which sufferers are injured varies.
Central cord syndrome: This injury is a condition where the cord’s center is injured, and the nerves carrying brain signals to the spinal cord are damaged. The symptoms include arm paralysis, loss of fine motor skills, and incomplete impairment in the legs. Some patients also lose their sexual functions, as well as bladder or bowel control.
Anterior cord syndrome: In this case, the front of the spinal cord is injured, damaging the sensory and motor pathways. Some sensation may be retained, but most patients have difficulties moving.
Bottom line
Spinal cord injuries are some of the most serious injuries a person can sustain. They can severely impair motor functions and significantly change your lifestyle. Depending on the extent of the damage, the recovery can be a long and strenuous process. A rehabilitation specialist can help the process go faster and more smoothly.
If you are looking for occupational or physical therapy, vestibular rehab, wheelchair training, lea
rning to walk, unweighting aquatic therapy, or other services in the Phoenix area, please call Touchstone Rehabilitation at 602-277-1073.