The most common causes of spinal cord injury are motor vehicle accidents and falls. Management of injuries begins at the scene of the accident. After impact, the stability of the injury plays a crucial part in further management. Injudicious movement of a patient with an unstable lesion may precipitate spinal cord injury or aggravate any pre-existing damage. In the hospital, after initial clinical assessment, there are a number of investigations available to assist in the evaluation of a patient.
Treatment depends on the site and stability of the lesion, but basic principles apply.
An unstable lesion risks further damage to the spinal cord and requires either operative fixation or immobilization with skull traction, a halo or brace. If a patient with normal cord function or with some residual function which progressively deteriorates, then operative decompression is required. We can only hope that future research will bring us closer to developing techniques to restore lost neurological function and promote spinal cord regeneration. Spinal Cord Spasticity Peter Konrad, M.D., Ph.D. Spinal cord injury can result in paralysis and spinal shock. Early symptoms are limp or flaccid paralysis with loss of sensation, reflexes, and bladder control.