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Medical Author:

Jason C. Eck, DO, MS

Jason C. Eck, DO, MS

Dr. Eck received a Bachelor of Science degree from the Catholic University of America in Biomedical Engineering, followed by a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Marquette University. Following this he worked as a research engineer conducting spine biomechanics research. He then attended medical school at University of Health Sciences. He is board eligible in orthopaedic surgery.

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Medical Editor:

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

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In this Article

• What is the spinal cord?
• What is a spinal cord injury?
• What are the causes of spinal cord injury?
• What are the symptoms of spinal cord injury?
• How is a spinal cord injury diagnosed?
• How is a spinal cord injury treated?
• What is the outlook for patients with spinal cord injury?
• Is there a cure for spinal cord injury?
• Spinal Cord Injury At A Glance
• Where can I get more information on spinal cord injury?
• NIH spinal cord injury: treatments and rehabilitation
• A short history of the treatment of spinal cord injury
• What is a spinal cord injury?
• How does the spinal cord work?
• What happens when the spinal cord is injured?
• What are the immediate treatments for spinal cord injury?
• How does a spinal cord injury affect the rest of the body?
• How does rehabilitation help people recover from spinal cord injuries?
• How is research helping spinal cord injury patients?
• The future of spinal cord research
• Find a local Doctor in your town
• Spinal Cord Injury: Treatments and Rehabilitation Index

The best chance for recovery of function following spinal cord injury is through prompt treatment. Early surgical decompression and stabilization leads to better recovery. Aggressive physical therapy and rehabilitation after surgery also maximizes recovery. The majority of recovery occurs within the first six months after injury. Any remaining loss of function present after 12 months is much more likely to become permanent.

Maintaining a positive outlook is extremely important for patients with spinal cord injury. The use of assistive devices allows most people with even severe spinal cord injuries to integrate into society and stay productive. Unfortunately, the rate of depression, divorce, and substance abuse are significantly higher in people with spinal cord injury. There are many support groups and treatments available for people with spinal cord injury as listed below.

There is no cure for spinal cord injury at this time. Many physicians and scientists devote their professional lives to this goal. There have been many promising advancements in research into spinal cord injury recently. It is hoped that these advancements will lead to a cure.

• The most common cause of spinal cord injury is trauma.
  
  
• Spinal cord injury is most common in young, white men.
  
  
• Spinal cord injury can be either complete or incomplete. In complete injuries there is no function below the level of injury. In incomplete injuries there is some function remaining below the level of injury.
  
  
• Early immobilization and treatment are the most important factors in achieving recovery from spinal cord injury.
  
  
• Aggressive rehabilitation and assistive devices allow even people with severe spinal cord injuries to interact in society and remain productive.