Spinal cord trauma

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Cauda equina

Vertebra and spinal nerves

Vertebrae

Paralysis and loss of sensation of part of the body are common. This includes total paralysis or numbness and varying degrees of movement or sensation loss. Death is possible, particularly if there is paralysis of the breathing muscles.

How well a person does depend on the level of injury. Injuries near the top of the spine result in more extensive disability than injuries low in the spine.

Recovery of some movement or sensation within 1 week usually means the person will eventually recover most function, although this may take 6 months or more. Losses that remain after 6 months are more likely to be permanent.

• Paralysis (paraplegia, quadriplegia)
• Loss of sensation
• Loss of bladder control
• Increased risk of urinary tract infections
• Increased risk of chronic bilateral obstructive nephropathy
• Loss of bowel control
• Loss of sexual functioning (male impotence)
• Paralysis of breathing muscles
• Increased risk of injury to numb areas of the body
• Pain
• Complications of immobility:
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Pulmonary infections
  • Skin breakdown
  • Contractures
• Shock
• Blood pressure changes - can be extreme
• Muscle spasticity

Call your health care provider if injury to the back or neck occurs. Call 911 if there is any loss of movement or sensation. This is a medical emergency!

Management of spinal cord injury begins at the site of an accident with paramedics trained in immobilizing the injured spine to prevent further damage to the nervous system. Someone suspected of having a spinal cord injury should NOT be moved without immobilization unless there is an immediate threat.

Review Date: 07/14/2006
Reviewed By: J.A. Lee, M.D., Division of Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.