Overview

Spinal trauma due to falls, violence and road traffic injuries can have a serious impact on someone's life, but can also lead to risks of developing life-threatening secondary conditions. According to the World Health Organisation, over 15 million people are living with spinal cord injuries caused by similar traumas. The injury can involve damage to any part of the spinal cord, including damage to the nerves at the end of the spinal cord. Such injuries can cause severe changes in feeling, strength and body functions below the spot of the injury. The patient may also experience social, emotional and mental costs.

Symptoms

Spinal trauma can cause the following symptoms:

• Change or loss in sensation, including the ability to feel touch, cold and heat
• Loss of movement, including bladder and bowel control
• Change in sexual sensitivity, function and fertility
• Trouble coughing, breathing or clearing secretions from the lungs
• Sting sensation or pain caused by damage to the nerve fibres
• Exaggerated spasms or reflex activities

Treatment

Immediate medical attention is needed in cases of spinal trauma. Once the patient is stabilized, special attention to various aspects of the injury from physical to emotional can lead to improved quality of life and better recovery. Call now to get outstanding neurosurgical care.