Spinal Cord Injury (cont.)
How is a spinal cord injury treated?
The first step in treatment of a suspected spinal cord injury is to verify
the patient is breathing and the heart is beating. A spinal cord injury in the
upper neck can cause a loss of control of normal breathing. This may require the
placement of a breathing tube and use of a ventilator.
The next step in treatment of a spinal cord injury is immobilization. This
often occurs at the time of injury prior to being transported to the hospital.
Emergency medical technicians may place the patient in a cervical collar or on a
backboard to help prevent the spine from moving. If the patient has a spinal cord
injury, further movement of the spine could lead to further damage.
After a spinal cord injury is diagnosed the patient might be started on a high dose
of steroids. This could help decrease the amount of damage to the spinal cord by
reducing inflammation and swelling. There are risks associated with using
steroids for spinal cord injury. The patient's doctor can help decide if steroids are
appropriate. The use of steroids is only beneficial if they are started
within eight hours of the time of injury.
Next the patient may be placed in traction or a halo device around the head to try
to stabilize the spine and prevent further damage. Many cases of spinal cord
injury are treated with surgery. There are two major goals of surgery.
- The first
goal is to relieve any pressure on the spinal cord. This could involve removing
portions of the vertebrae that have broken and are compressing the spinal cord.
If the spinal cord is being compressed by tumor, infection or severe arthritis,
surgery can be performed to reduce the amount of compression.
- The second major
goal of surgery for spinal cord injury is to stabilize the spine. If the
vertebrae are weakened from fracture, tumor or infection, they may not be
capable of supporting the normal weight from the body and protecting the spinal
cord. A combination of metal screws, rods and plates may be necessary to help
hold the vertebrae together and stabilize them until the bones heal.
There are many potential complications related to spinal cord injury that may
require specific treatment. These complications include:
After the initial treatment and stabilization of patients with a spinal cord
injury, much of the treatment is geared toward rehabilitation. This includes methods
to help the patient maximize their function through physical and occupational
therapy and the use of assistive devices.
Next: What is the outlook for patients with spinal cord injury? »
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