Usually caused by falls or traffic accidents, especially by whiplash injuries in which the head is suddenly thrown backwards or forwards. Immediate symptoms depend on which part of the spine is injured; neck injuries can be fatal if the nerves that control breathing are damaged; injuries further down the spine cart cause loss of sensation in or control over limbs, inability to control bladder and bowel movements, severe pain, or the sensation of being 'cut in half'.
If the spinal cord is merely bruised, recovery can be complete. If there is more serious damage, surgery may be necessary to maintain stability of the spine, followed by physiotherapy and occupational therapy, and it may take 3-4 months to assess whether disability will be lasting or not. Some of the secondary effects of spinal injury may be urinary infections if the bladder is paralysed, inability to achieve an erection, and pressure sores if immobility is prolonged.
If you are confronted with someone who has been in an accident and he or she is conscious but cannot feel or move arms or legs, or complains of numbness, contact Emergency Medical Services, but do not move them; ambulances have special equipment for lifting spine-injured casualties. If, however, the person starts to vomit, put him or her in the recovery position (see First Aid); in such circumstances the risk of further damage to the spinal cord is less than the risk of dying from inhaled vomit. See First Aid for further measures.
For specific remedies please see Spinal Cord Injury in the First Aid section. |
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