The spinal cord is a continuation of the central nervous system which extends down from the brain through a protective canal formed by the spinal bones or vertebrae. When the vertebrae are damaged or fractured, the spinal cord may also become injured, preventing the brain from sending messages down the spinal cord to the peripheral nerves where they need to go.
Spinal trauma can result from such things as falls and car or sports accidents.
Most of the damage done to the spinal cord occurs at the time of the injury, though swelling in the first 24 hours may worsen the condition, either temporarily or permanently. There is a greater possibility of recovery of lost functions, but no guarantee. Quadriplegia is total loss of movement and feeling in the arms and legs. Paraplegia means total loss, while paraparesis means partial loss, of motor and sensory function of either both arms or both legs. Testing Once the spinal trauma has occurred, medical personnel check the respiratory function and vital signs and the physician conducts a neurological examination to determine how much spinal cord has been damaged and how much sensory, motor and reflex function has been lost.