DR. CORA LIM
MEDICAL INSIDER
Spinal Cord Injury
(Part 2)
Last week, we started our discussion of Spinal Cord
Injury.
Our initial discussion of the subject matter included the
common causes, classifications, levels and
symptoms of spinal cord injury.
As we continue our discussion of this topic today, we will
first discuss its Complications. So the following are its
complications: Bladder Control, Bowel Control, Skin
Sensation, Circulatory control, Respiratory system,
Muscle tone, Fitness & wellness, Sexual health and
Depression.
What is the Treatment for spinal cord injury? The
following are suggested: Physical therapy to
strengthen the damaged area; Surgery is performed to
remove anything which may have penetrated the spinal
cord, or to achieve fusion (to limit movement in the
spinal column around the spinal cord); and Steroid
injections are also used to reduce inflammation in the
area of the spinal cord injury.
Let us talk about Prognosis now for spinal cord injury.
Studies and research have the following to say
regarding the prognosis of spinal cord injury:
Patients with a complete cord injury have a less
than 5% chance of recovery. If complete paralysis
at 72 hours after injury, recovery is essentially zero.
The prognosis is much better for the incomplete
cord syndromes.
If some sensory function is preserved, the chance
that the patient will eventually be able to walk is
greater than 50%.
Ultimately, 90% of patients with SCI return to their
homes and regain independence.
In the early 1900’s, the mortality rate a year after
injury in patients with complete lesions approached
100%. Much of the improvement since then can be
attributed to the introduction of antibiotics to treat
pneumonia and urinary tract infection.
Currently, the 5-year survival rate for patients with a
traumatic quadriplegia (partial or total loss of use of
all four limbs and torso) exceeds 90%. (To be
continued)