Causes and Treatment of Spinal Cord Paralysis

Spinal cord paralysis occurs when the spinal cord sustains damage. The spinal cord functions as the primary nerve pathway facilitating communication between the brain and the body. It transmits motor signals from the brain to various body parts, including the limbs, while also relaying sensory information such as touch back to the brain.

The spine bones encase and protect the spinal cord. Trauma affecting the spine, spinal cord diseases, or damage to surrounding bones, soft tissues, and blood vessels can result in injury and paralysis. While spine fractures don't always damage the spinal cord, most injuries involve partial rather than complete cord damage. Spinal cord injury generally leads to loss of movement and sensation which is below the level of damage.

What Causes Spinal Cord Paralysis?

Common causes include falls, vehicular accidents, motorcycle accidents, sports injuries, gunshot wounds, spinal cord inflammation (transverse myelitis), and conditions like infantile paralysis or spina bifida.

What are the Symptoms of Spinal Cord Paralysis?

Symptoms depend on injury location and damage severity. Two injury classifications exist: complete injuries result in total loss of sensation and motor function below the damage site, while incomplete injuries preserve some functions.

Depending on damage location, individuals may experience quadriplegia (both arms and legs paralyzed) or paraplegia (legs paralyzed, arms functional).

Other Symptoms Include:

Loss of movement

Loss of sensation

Loss in bowel and bladder functions

Excessive muscle contractions (spasticity)

Sexual dysfunctions

Neuropathic pain

Impaired respiratory functions

Diagnosis involves neurological examination, computed tomography, MRI, or spinal x-rays.

Can Spinal Cord Paralysis be Treated?

Immediate treatment is necessary to tackle with the life-threatening conditions and prevent long-term loss of function. Early interventions include drug therapies and surgical procedures. Subsequently, comprehensive physical therapy addresses functional loss through inpatient or outpatient approaches, including neuro-rehabilitation and robotic physical therapy services.