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Spinal Injury - Symptom Evaluation

Author -  <a href='https://www.medindia.net/medical-review-team/dr-talla-veena.asp' target='_blank'>Dr. Talla Veena, M.B.B.S</a>
Medically Reviewed by <a href='https://www.medindia.net/content-team/dr-nithin-jayan.asp' target='_blank'>Dr. Nithin Jayan, MBBS, DNB</a> on Oct 12, 2020
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Nithin Jayan, MBBS, DNB on Oct 12, 2020


About

Spinal Cord contains 31 pairs of spinal nerves, which supply upper and lower extremities, internal organs like heart, lungs, bladder and bowel etc.


Spinal Cord injury can occur in both sexes, but is common in young males.

Spinal injury can be classified depending upon the extent of injury as below:

Spinal Injury

Presentation with a spinal injury varies depending upon the level of injury. Discussed below are the various levels of spinal injury:

Symptoms of spinal injury without history of trauma should raise a suspicion and further investigations should be done for confirmation of the cause. Presentation varies depending upon the level of spine affected. Common lab tests done are measurement of serum calcium, levels of uric acid, prostate specific antigen, complete blood cell count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Investigations commonly employed for this purpose are CT scan spine with myelography, MRI spine and bone scan. The following conditions mentioned below can also present with similar symptoms.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How common is spinal Injury?

It is common in young men between the ages 16- 30 years in comparison to women. Most commonly the cause is traumatic injuries.

2. What are the common symptoms related to Spinal Injury?

Symptoms can be loss of motor, sensory functions along with reflexes that are lost completely or partially depending upon the extent of damage.


3. What is the prognosis of spinal injury?

Early mobilization and rehabilitation improves chances of speedy recovery.

4. What are the levels of spinal injury?

Levels of Spinal Injury suggest which part of the spinal cord is affected for ex., cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral segments. Higher the level of injury severe is the dysfunction expected.

References:

  1. Levels of Injury - (http://www.spinalinjury101.org/details/levels-of-injury)
  2. Spinal cord injury - (http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-cord-injury/basics/definition/con-20023837)
  3. About Spinal Cord Injury - (http://www.medicinenet.com/spinal_cord_injury_treatments_and_rehabilitation/article.htm)

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