How do Spinal Cord Injuries Impact the Body?

Dr Atul Mishra

How do Spinal Cord Injuries Impact the Body?

Spinal Cord Injury

Trauma to the spine can cause spinal cord injuries. This is because our nervous system comprises the spinal cord, brain, and heart. In other words, injuries to the spine can cause dysfunction throughout the body. If this continues, consult a Physiotherapist.

Additionally, injuries to the spinal cord can have a specific impact on the body, such as:

Spinal Cord Reflexes -

The brain sends the messages to the spinal cord. This then sends them throughout the body. This communication process is affected if the spinal cord becomes damaged. Below the injury level, the spinal nerves receive the signals. However, these signals can't travel to the brain via the spinal tracts. Therefore, reflex movements are possible but involuntary.

Breathing:

Breathing problems can occur if the injury is in the C3, C4, and C5 segments. To survive, people who sustain this injury require immediate ventilator support.

The diaphragm and intercostal muscles are responsible for breathing and coughing. These three muscles can be affected by injury to the spine. The C5 level injury means that the diaphragm is functional, but breathing becomes rapid and shallower. It can also cause difficulty clearing out the lungs and coughing due to weak thoracic muscles. Most C4 injuries can be treated with mechanical ventilation once the pulmonary function has improved.

Autonomic Hyperreflexia

This condition is also called hyper dyslexia, autonomic dysreflexia, or hyper dysreflexia. This disease is more common in those with a spinal injury that exceeds T6. Because nerve messages travel up the spinal cord to the brain, autonomic dysreflexia can occur.

Autonomic dysreflexia, a serious condition, requires immediate medical attention. It can lead to stroke, heart attack, and seizures if not treated.

Hyper Dyslexia can be characterized by:

High blood pressure
Anxiety
Severe pounding headache
Low heart rate
Do not exercise above the injury level
Stiffness in the Nasal

Neurogenic shock:

The brain controls blood pressure and heartbeat. The brain sends signals to the spine to contract blood vessels and increase heart rate. This is to normalize blood pressure. If these signals are not received, the person may experience low blood pressure and a slow heartbeat.

The dilation of vessels below the injury level can cause blood pressure to drop when the head of the bed suddenly is raised. This is because the blood vessels can't constrict fast enough in this situation to stop blood pressure from dropping. To prevent blood pressure from dropping, a good Physio will suggest gradually raising the head of your bed and using an abdominal binder.

Temperature regulation

One person might become unable or unable to sweat and may experience male goosebumps. This is because the body cannot adjust to its temperature.

One person may feel cold and need blankets. Then, they might feel hot and want to be covered up or under a fan.

Deep vein embolism (DVT)

DVT refers to a blood clot that may form in the legs or arms. A lack of movement usually causes this. DVT can be prevented by using elastic stockings, sequential compress devices, and foot pumps. Regular exercise of the arms and legs is another way to prevent DVT.

Bladder control

A spinal injury can cause interference with the transmission of signals between the bladder and the brain. This is because the brain usually receives signals from the spine when the bladder has filled. Therefore, the message might not reach the brain after a spinal injury.

After a spinal cord injury, a bladder catheter is used to drain the bladder. Once the body adjusts to the injury, the catheter is removed:

Nurses assess the bladder volume. Nurses then check the bladder volume.
A catheter will be used to drain the urine.
The bladder is empty.

The severity of spinal cord injury can also affect the ability to return bladder tone.

Skin

Skin is the skin, which acts as a protective covering for your body. Excessive pressure, heat, and wetness can cause the skin to break down. Infected skin can result. After sustaining a spinal cord injury, the body cannot warn about skin dangers.

Brain injury

Most people who have sustained severe trauma to their neck and back are more likely to sustain brain injuries. These injuries can cause memory loss, impaired concentration, communication difficulties, personality changes, and difficulty recalling.

Tendons and muscles

Spasticity can occur when signals from the brain are blocked from reaching the muscles by spinal cord injury. Spasticity is the inability to stretch muscles.

Your doctor may be able to treat spasticity. Spasticity can be treated with repositioning and baclofen. Botox injections may also be an option.

This article provided a glimpse into key spinal cord injuries from a medical perspective. For spinal cord injury nerve pain medication or rehabilitation, get in touch with an Orthopaedic surgeon.