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Overview Of A Spinal Cord Injury
- A spinal cord injury is a severe type of physical pain. It will likely have a long-lasting and major impact on a person’s everyday life.
- The spinal cord is accountable for conveying messages from the brain to all sections of the body, and then from the body back to the brain. We are able to recognize pain and shift our limbs because of impulses conveyed through the spinal cord.
- If the spinal cord is damaged, a few or all of these impulses might be prohibited from “getting through.” The result is a full or total loss of feeling and mobility.
What Is Spinal Cord Injury?
- Spinal cord damage is also referred to as ‘myelopathy‘.
- It occurs when an injury to the nerve fibers takes place.
- It can cause loss of physical awareness and mobility.
- The spinal cord remains in one piece in most of the injuries.
- Full injury causes no movement or feeling.
- Partial injury maintains some movement or sensation.
- Physical physiotherapy, ventilators or wheelchairs are often needed.
Causes Of Spinal Cord Injury
- Vehicle accidents.
- Accidents caused by diving.
- Accidents caused by falling.
- Shot by a gun.
- Disorders such as: Spina Bifida, Tumor and Friedreich’s Ataxia.
Symptoms Of Spinal Cord Injury
- Loss of feeling.
- Loss of main functions.
- No control over the bladder or bowel.
- Problems with sexual functioning.
- Loss of reflex functions, like breathing.
- Lack of ability to control the heart rate.
- Unable to sweat.
- Constant pain.
Treatment For Spinal Cord Injury
Seek medical assistance or phone for an ambulance immediately. In the meantime:
- Move the casualty, if their surrounds are unsafe.
- Support the head and neck on both sides.
- Movements can dislodge the vertebra and cause additional injury.
- If the casualty stops breathing, perform CPR.
- Do not lean head backward while performing CPR .
Prevention Of Spinal Cord Injuries
- Always put your seat belt on while driving your car.
- Use special seat belts for kids and infants.
- Never consume alcohol while driving.
- If you enjoy swimming, don’t dive into the shallow end of the pool.
Related Video On Spinal Cord Injuries
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPg1Co8m4IE