Spinal Cord Injury - First Aid and Emergency Treatment Guide
Overview Spinal cord injury is otherwise called 'myelopathy' It results in an injury to the nerve fibers in the cord Can cause loss of physical sensation and mobility Spinal cord remains intact in most of the injuries The complete injury causes no movement/sensation below the injury Incomplete injury-retains some movement/sensation below the injury Physical therapy, ventilators, wheelchairs often required Causes Automobile accidents Diving accidents Falls Shot by a gun Conditions like a. Polio b. Tumor c. Spina Bifida d. Friedreich's Ataxia Symptoms Loss of sensation Loss of motor functions Loss of bowel/bladder functions Sexual function can get affected Loss of involuntary functions, like breathing Inability to control the rate of heartbeat Inability to sweat Chronic pain Treatment Seek medical help or call for an ambulance ...