Spinal Cord Injury: Treatment, Medication, and Surgery

The emergency room physician may be able to rule out a spinal cord injury after doing a physical examination, evaluating the patient’s sensory and motor skills, and gathering some background information. If the injured person is experiencing neck pain, isn’t fully awake, or shows signs of paralysis or neurological damage, however, immediate diagnostic testing may be necessary.

Examples of such assessments include:

●      X-rays. Degenerative changes, malignancies, fractures, and other spinal column problems may all be seen on an X-ray.

●      Scanning using a CT scanner. When abnormalities appear on an X-ray, a CT scan might provide a clearer image of what’s happening. This scan uses computers to generate a series of cross-sectional images that may be used to detect problems with bone, disks, and other structures.

●      MRI. Computer-generated images are created in MRI by using a strong magnetic field and radio waves. Examining the area helps detect herniated disks, blood clots, or other masses that might compress the spinal cord.

The extent of your brain damage will be determined by a more in-depth examination performed by your Spinal Trauma Doctors In Pasadena a few days following the event. Some degree of edema may have decreased by now. Your physical fortitude and sensitivity to even light touch will be examined.

Treatment

The damage to the spinal cord is irreparable, sadly. However, new treatments at Mulholland Brain and Spine, such as prosthetics and medications, are being developed by scientists, which may help injured nerve cells regenerate or the healthy ones work better.

Meanwhile, the goal of treatment for persons who have suffered a spinal cord injury is to lessen the likelihood that the condition may worsen in the future and restore the injured person’s ability to participate in and contribute to society in meaningful ways.

Precautions for a dire situation

Getting medical attention right once is crucial for reducing the severity of head or neck injuries. Because of this, it is common practice to initiate treatment for spinal cord injuries at the injury site.

Emergency personnel often use a hard neck collar during transport to the hospital and carry the board to gently and swiftly immobilize the spine.

Acute treatment stages

During a crisis, Spinal Trauma Doctors In Pasadena must decide what is most important. Avoiding shock by maintaining a steady respiratory rate. To slow the degeneration of your spinal cord, you should avoid moving your neck around.

Prevent adverse consequences such as urinary or stomach retention, difficulty breathing or heart failure, and the formation of deep vein blood clots in the limbs.

Many patients requiring care for a spinal cord injury must spend time in the intensive care unit. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may be sent to a local spine injury center staffed by neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, psychologists, nurses, therapists, and social workers who specialize in treating spinal cord injuries.

Medications.

Historically, severe spinal cord injuries have been treated with intravenous (IV) methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol). Researchers have found that the hazards of this medication, such as blood clots and pneumonia, outweigh the benefits.

The daily use of methylprednisolone is not recommended after a spinal cord injury.

Immobilization. Traction may be necessary to correct spinal misalignment or improve spinal stability. Braces and soft neck collars are available.

Surgery

Sometimes, surgery is the only option for removing spinal compression caused by bone fragments, foreign objects, herniated disks, or shattered vertebrae. To prevent further pain or deformity, spinal surgery may be necessary.

Methodological experiments 

Scientists are investigating methods to lessen inflammation, halt cell death, and promote neuron regeneration. For example, hypothermia, in which the body’s temperature is drastically lowered over 24 to 48 hours, may prevent detrimental inflammation. Further study is necessary.

Assistance that lasts

After the initial injury or illness has stabilized, Spinal Trauma Doctors In Pasadena will work to reduce the likelihood of secondary complications such as muscle atrophy, contractures, pressure ulcers, bowel and bladder issues, lung infections, and blood clots. The time you need to spend in the hospital will depend on your current condition and the severity of your medical issues. After you have recovered sufficiently to participate in therapeutic therapies, you may consider entering a rehabilitation facility.

Rehab staff from Mulholland Brain and Spine will begin working with you early in the healing process. Spinal cord injury specialists, Spinal Trauma Doctors In Pasadena, nutritionists, social workers, leisure therapists, and psychologists may all be part of your support group. In the early stages of rehabilitation, therapists generally put a premium on recovering and maintaining muscle function, regaining fine motor skills, and learning how to adapt to accomplish everyday activities.

You will learn skills to help you get back on your feet and increase your quality of life and sense of autonomy. You will also learn about spinal cord injuries, their consequences, and preventative measures. You’ll get experience with modern tools and equipment, expanding your horizons and empowering you to become as self-sufficient as possible. You’ll be motivated to go out and do things, reconnect with friends and family, and resume your routine.