Spinal Cord Injury: Early Signs and Immediate Treatment Options

The problems caused by a spinal cord injury depend on the site of injury and its severity. If the injury is less severe, then the person is able to perform all bodily functions below the site of injury, but in case of a serious injury, the person is unable to do these tasks. In case of injury to the upper part of the spinal cord, the person has difficulty in breathing and needs a breathing machine or "ventilator" (artificial breathing machine). The following problems may occur in case of spinal cord injury -

• A person is not conscious or has symptoms of unconsciousness with head injury.
• Weakness. 
• Difficulty in walking.
• Pain or stiffness in the neck or back. 
• Muscles not working. 
• Lack of control over stool or urine. 
• Not being able to feel anything in the body below the place of injury.
• Not being able to move hands or legs.
• Not being able to move the neck or back or feeling pressure in them. 
• Not being able to perform normal sexual activities. 
• Pain spreading to the hands or legs. 
• Body parts getting numb.
• Headache. 
• Paralysis. 
• Symptoms of shock.
• A person's head, neck or back twisting strangely. 

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Spinal cord injury is always an emergency situation, for which immediate medical attention is mandatory. If someone around you has a spinal cord injury, call an ambulance immediately. You can give him first aid in the following ways until help arrives -

• Do not move the person at all until needed.
• Put towels on both sides of the person's neck and support his head so that it does not move.
• If the person is wearing a helmet, do not remove it.
• If the person is injured, try to treat the injury.
• If the person is in water, do not bring him to the ground but lay him down with his face upwards and support his body. The water will stabilize and immobilize his spine. 
• If the person is vomiting or in danger or not breathing and it is necessary to move him, do not try to move him alone. At least two people should support him from both sides of his body and one person should hold his head and neck so that his head, neck and back remain in a straight line and his problem does not increase. 
• Try to keep the person warm.
• Check the person's pulse and if he is not breathing, give him CPR.
• Do not shake the person's head to open the airway, but gently raise his chin a little with your fingers. 
• If the person is conscious, observe his ability to react until help arrives.

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A spinal cord injury is an emergency, which requires immediate hospitalization. The sooner you go to the hospital, the greater your chances of recovery. Even if you feel fine after the injury, you should still go to the doctor. If you have not yet gone to the doctor after the injury, seek medical attention immediately if you have the following symptoms -

• Paralysis in any part of the body.
• Confusion or mood swings. 
• Swelling in any part of the head. 
• Memory problems. 
• Sudden onset of back pain. 

Apart from this, go to your doctor immediately if you experience the symptoms mentioned above. 

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Spinal cord injuries are serious and can have profound effects on body function. The injury causes damage to the spinal cord, which can lead to loss of sensation and mobility in various parts of the body. Depending on the severity and location of the injury, the impairment can vary, such as paralysis, weak muscles, and difficulty breathing. Spinal cord injuries are often caused by accidents, falls, sports injuries, or other traumas. It is important to treat it timely and correctly, which may include surgery, medications, and physiotherapy.