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.
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.
What is the outlook for patients with spinal cord injury?
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.
Is there a cure for spinal cord injury?
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.
Spinal Cord Injury At A Glance
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.
Fractures occur when bone cannot withstand the outside forces applied to the bone. Fractures can be open or closed. Types of fractures include: greenstick, spiral, comminuted, transverse, compound, or vertebral compression. Common fractures include: stress fracture, compression fracture, rib fracture, and skull fracture. Treatment depends upon the type of fracture.
Hypothermia is having a body core temperature of less than 35 C or 95 F. Most causes of hypothermia are preventable. Risk factors for hypothermia include age, mental status, medical conditions, and medications. Symptoms of hypothermia generally depend upon the severity of the condition. Treatment depends upon the severity of hypothermia. If not treated early, hypothermia can lead to cardiac arrest, coma, or death.
Stem cells are referred to as undifferentiated cells due to the fact that they have not yet committed to a developmental path to form specific organ tissue. There are a variety of types of stem cells to include embryonic, fetal, adult peripheral blood, umbilical cord, and induced pluripotent stem cells.
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