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Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month

September is Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month


Spinal Cord Injury: Signs & Symptoms to Know

Woman in a wheelchair

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-altering event that requires immediate medical attention. While the symptoms can vary greatly depending on the location and severity of the injury, understanding what to look for can be critical for a person's safety and long-term recovery.

If you or someone you know has been in an accident or experienced a trauma, be aware of these warning signs.


Immediate "Red Flag" Symptoms (Emergency): These symptoms may appear right after an injury and are signs of a medical emergency. If you see any of these acute signs of injury, call 911 immediately.


Acute Signs / Symptoms Include:

  • Extreme pain or pressure in the neck, head, or back.

  • Weakness, paralysis, or loss of control in any part of the body. This can range from difficulty moving a limb or the trunk to complete inability to move.

  • Numbness, tingling, or a loss of sensation in the hands, fingers, feet, or toes. This can also feel like a "pins and needles" sensation.

  • Coordination and balance issues: Problems walking, loss of balance, or clumsiness / stumbling.

  • Trouble with fine-motor tasks like buttoning a shirt, writing, or picking up small objects.

  • Localized pain in the neck or back, or a stinging sensation caused by nerve damage.

  • Loss of bladder or bowel control, or increased urgency or incontinence.

  • Difficulty breathing or a feeling of pressure on the chest.

  • Difficulty Swallowing liquids or foods.

  • Reflex changes: Exaggerated reflexes (hyperreflexia) or muscle spasms (spasticity).

  • Contorted Neck or Back: Twisted or hyperextended position of the spine 



Important First Aid Tip: If you suspect an SCI, do not move the person unless they are in immediate danger. Moving them could cause further, irreversible damage to the spinal cord. Keep them as still as possible until emergency medical services arrive.


Chronic Signs / Symptoms Include:


1. Motor and Sensory Changes

  • Muscle weakness: A gradual or sudden loss of strength in the arms, hands, legs, or trunk.

  • Spasticity: Stiff or tight muscles that can cause uncontrolled movements or spasms.

  • Loss of sensation: Difficulty feeling touch, pain, heat, or cold.

  • Neuropathic pain: A chronic, intense burning, stinging, or aching pain caused by nerve damage.


2. Autonomic System Changes

  • Autonomic Dysreflexia: A dangerous and sudden spike in blood pressure. This can be life-threatening and is often triggered by a stimulus below the level of injury (e.g., a full bladder, tight clothing). Symptoms include a pounding headache, sweating, flushing, and anxiety.

  • Blood pressure and heart rate problems: The inability to regulate blood pressure or heart rate, which can lead to lightheadedness or other issues.

  • Difficulty regulating body temperature: Problems with sweating or shivering below the level of the injury.


3. Bladder, Bowel, and Sexual Function Changes

  • Loss of bowel and bladder control: Difficulty with urination or defecation. This can range from incontinence to an inability to go at all.

  • Sexual dysfunction: Changes in sexual function, sensation, and fertility.


4. Secondary Health Issues

  • Pressure sores (ulcers): Because of a loss of sensation, a person may not feel discomfort from prolonged pressure on the skin, which can lead to dangerous skin breakdown.

  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTI): Due to changes in bladder function and a reliance on catheters, people with SCI are at a very high risk for repeated UTIs. Symptoms can include fever, chills, or cloudy urine.

  • Respiratory issues: A higher-level SCI (in the neck) can affect the muscles needed for breathing and coughing, increasing the risk of pneumonia.


Contact your doctor if the following occur:

  • Sudden or worsening pain in your back or neck.

  • New or worsening weakness, numbness, or tingling.

  • Unexplained balance problems, clumsiness, or difficulty walking.

  • Loss of bladder or bowel control.


For SCI Awareness Month, please advocate for yourself and others. If something feels wrong, don't wait, seek immediate medical help.


Resources:

Citations & Resources

This guide is based on information from leading medical and research organizations. For more in-depth information, please visit the following resources:

  • National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS): The NINDS is a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and is a leading source of information on neurological conditions, including spinal cord injury. Their website provides detailed information on symptoms, causes, and treatments.

  • Mayo Clinic: A renowned non-profit medical center, the Mayo Clinic offers trusted health information written by medical experts. Their page on spinal cord injury provides a comprehensive overview of symptoms and potential complications.

  • Cleveland Clinic: As a multi-specialty academic medical center, the Cleveland Clinic is another excellent resource for reliable medical information. Their guide on SCI is thorough and easy to understand.

  • Johns Hopkins Medicine: As a world-class academic hospital and research center, Johns Hopkins provides authoritative information on a wide range of medical conditions.

  • United Spinal Association: A national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with spinal cord injuries. Their resources cover a wide range of topics from healthcare to advocacy.

  • Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation: A well-known foundation that funds innovative research and provides resources and support for people living with paralysis.


 
 
 

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