Heather Arranie 
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are serious and often life-altering conditions that affect thousands of individuals each year. Whether caused by trauma, accidents, or underlying medical conditions, spinal cord injuries require prompt diagnosis and treatment to minimize complications and improve outcomes. But how is spinal cord injury diagnosed?
Read on to learn the early signs to watch out for.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord is a vital part of the central nervous system, serving as a communication highway between the brain and the rest of the body. When the spinal cord is damaged, the transmission of signals to and from the brain is interrupted, leading to loss of sensation, motor control, and, in severe cases, paralysis. Also, the severity of a spinal cord injury depends on the location and extent of the damage.
On the other hand, the two main types of spinal cord injuries include:
- Complete injury: This happens when there’s a total loss of motor and sensory function below the injury site.
- Incomplete injury: This occurs when some function remains below the injury site, varying from person to person.
Prompt diagnosis is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment and improving the patient’s prognosis. It’s also critical for improving long-term outcomes. Delayed treatment can result in permanent damage, including paralysis, chronic pain, and reduced quality of life. Therefore, proper treatment is needed. For instance, in locations like Singapore, clinics specializing in spine pain treatment Singapore offer advanced diagnostics and intervention to address spinal cord injuries and associated pain effectively.
How Spinal Cord Injuries Are Diagnosed
Diagnosing a spinal cord injury involves a combination of physical examinations, imaging studies, and neurological assessments. Upon suspecting a spinal cord injury, medical professionals follow a structured approach to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the extent of the damage. The diagnosis steps include:
Initial Assessment
Emergency medical professionals often conduct the first examination at the injury scene. They assess the patient’s ability to move, feel, and respond to stimuli. If a spinal cord injury is suspected, the patient is immobilized to prevent further injury during transport to a hospital. Initial evaluations focus on determining the severity of the injury, with special attention given to breathing, blood pressure, and overall neurological function.
Neurological Examination
At the hospital, doctors conduct a comprehensive neurological examination. This includes testing the patient’s motor function, sensory abilities, and reflexes. Typically, the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale is commonly used to classify the injury based on muscle strength and sensation at various levels of the spinal cord. The ASIA score can help determine the severity of the injury and provide a baseline for future treatment.
Imaging Studies
Imaging tests are essential in diagnosing the location and extent of spinal cord injuries. The most common tests include:
- X-rays: These are used to identify fractures or dislocations in the vertebrae.
- CT Scans (Computed Tomography): These can provide a detailed view of the spine and surrounding tissues, which help pinpoint the exact location of the injury.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This offers the most comprehensive view of soft tissues, including the spinal cord, to assess any compression, inflammation, or herniated discs that might contribute to the injury.
These imaging studies can provide critical insights that guide the treatment plan, including whether surgical intervention is necessary.
7 Early Signs of Spinal Cord Injury to Watch For
Identifying early signs of spinal cord injury can make a significant difference in receiving timely and effective treatment. While some symptoms may appear immediately after an injury, others may develop more gradually, depending on the severity and location of the damage.
Below are the x early signs that warrant immediate medical attention:
1. Severe Pain or Pressure in the Neck, Head, or Back
Persistent or worsening pain in these areas following trauma can be one of the first indicators of a spinal cord injury. This pain may be accompanied by stiffness or an inability to move the neck or back freely.
2. Loss of Sensation
Numbness, tingling, or a complete loss of sensation in the hands, fingers, feet, or toes is a classic symptom of spinal cord damage. A sudden onset of these symptoms shouldn’t be ignored, as they indicate possible nerve impairment.
3. Inability to Move Limbs
The loss of movement in any part of the body, particularly the limbs, is a major red flag. Whether partial or complete paralysis, this symptom suggests that the injury may have disrupted the communication between the brain and muscles, which require urgent medical evaluation.
4. Loss of Bowel or Bladder Control
Spinal cord injuries can affect the body’s autonomic functions, such as bladder and bowel control. Difficulty urinating, incontinence, or an inability to regulate these functions should prompt an immediate consultation with a healthcare provider.
5. Difficulty Breathing
When the injury is in the cervical or thoracic regions, it can compromise the muscles responsible for breathing. Shortness of breath, difficulty in taking deep breaths, or needing support for breathing indicates a severe injury that requires immediate medical intervention.
6. Muscle Spasms or Weakness
Muscle spasms, weakness, or flaccidity in any part of the body can be an early sign of spinal cord injury.
This can occur as the nervous system’s ability to regulate muscle control is compromised.
7. Unusual Tingling or Burning Sensations
Experiencing abnormal sensations, such as burning or tingling in the affected areas, is another sign that the spinal cord may be injured. These sensations are typically more pronounced in the extremities.
Final Thoughts
Spinal cord injuries require immediate medical attention for proper diagnosis and intervention. Early signs shouldn’t be ignored, as they may indicate serious damage to the spinal cord. Through comprehensive diagnostic methods, healthcare providers can assess the extent of the injury and initiate appropriate treatment plans. The earlier these injuries are detected and managed, the better the chance of recovery and improved quality of life.
Therefore, by understanding the information mentioned above in mind, patients can make all the difference in recovery outcomes.
