Spinal Cord Injury (cont.)
How is a spinal cord injury diagnosed?
The first step in diagnosing a spinal cord injury is a medical history and
physical examination. The patient's physician will obtain a medical history asking
questions about the details surrounding the time of the injury. The amount of
time since the injury is important because spinal cord injury is a medical
emergency. The quicker the patient obtains treatment, the better the chances for
recovery. Other details of the medical history could include details of any
prior neck or back injuries or surgeries, the presence of
pain in the neck or
back, any weakness in the arms or legs, loss of bowel or bladder control, loss
of sensation in the arms or legs, and other previous medical conditions.
The physical examination will include testing to see if sensation to
touch is intact in the arms and legs as well as testing muscle strength
and reflexes in the arms and legs. The patient may be kept in a cervical collar or on a
backboard to immobilize them until the physician determines whether or not the
patient has a spinal cord injury.
The next step is often x-rays of the neck or back. These can help identify a
fracture or dislocation of
the vertebrae. These may or may not be present with
a spinal cord injury. It is possible to have a spinal cord injury without an
injury to the vertebrae. X-rays can also help identify a tumor or infection or
severe arthritis that could cause spinal cord injury.
A computed tomography (CT) scan is a more advanced imaging test that can give
the physician a better view of the vertebrae. CT can identify some injuries to
the vertebrae not seen on the plain x-rays. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
scan is another more advanced imaging study that can identify a spinal cord
injury. The MRI is better at evaluating the soft tissues including the
ligaments, intervertebral discs, nerves and spinal cord. The MRI scan also can
show evidence of injury within the spinal cord.
Next: How is a spinal cord injury treated? »
- methylprednisolone, Medrol, Depo-Medrol - Explains the medication thmethylprednisolone (Medrol) a drug used to achieve prompt suppression of inflammation. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects.
- CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) - CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography, CAT scan) is a procedure that assists in diagnosing tumors, fractures, bony structures, and infections in the organs and tissues of the body.
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm - Learn about abdominal aortic aneurysms including how they tend to develop, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, how they are repaired, and what happens if they rupture.
Latest Medical News
Neurology RSS