Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries

Published at 10-04-2025 15:32:22

Tags: #ForParticipants

A Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) occurs when damage is inflicted on the spinal cord's nerves or nerve fibres, which are essential for transmitting signals between the brain and the body. These signals control how the body functions, so when the spinal cord is injured, it can lead to varying levels of disruption to bodily functions.

The spinal cord itself is quite long, stretching from the base of the brain down to the lower back. Injuries can happen either directly to the spinal cord or to the surrounding tissues and bones that protect it.

A spinal cord injury can have far-reaching effects, including:

• Movement limitations
• Changes in sensation
• Breathing difficulties
• Impacted organ function
• Problems with bladder and bowel control
• Altered sexual function

How Does a Spinal Cord Injury Affect You?

The severity and location of the injury on the spinal cord typically determine the impact on body functions. Generally, the higher the injury on the spinal cord, the greater the loss of function in both the upper and lower body. If the injury is lower down on the spinal cord, it might primarily affect leg function.

Types of Injuries:

• Tetraplegia/Quadriplegia: When the injury occurs higher on the spinal cord, it can lead to paralysis throughout most of the body, impacting all four limbs.
• Paraplegia: This type of injury occurs lower on the spinal cord and typically affects only the lower body and legs.

Paralysis

Paralysis refers to the loss of movement and sensation, which can occur immediately following the injury (primary damage) or develop over time due to swelling, bleeding, or other secondary complications in the spinal cord.

Complete vs. Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

• Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: In an incomplete injury, some messages can still be sent between the brain and the body. People with this type of injury may retain some sensation, movement, or muscle control below the injury.
• Complete Spinal Cord Injury: In a complete injury, there is no communication between the brain and body below the injury site, resulting in total loss of function and sensation below the affected area.

Spinal Cord Injury Classification

Spinal cord injuries are classified according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale. This scale helps determine the severity of the injury and the level of remaining function.

Diagnosing a Spinal Cord Injury

Diagnosing a spinal cord injury often involves imaging techniques such as MRI, CT scans, and X-rays. These tools help identify the injury and assess the severity. After the injury, healthcare professionals will also monitor key bodily functions like breathing, circulation, muscle tone, reflexes, and bladder or bowel function.

Is Recovery Possible?

Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in recovering some function after a spinal cord injury, but complete recovery is uncommon. While progress can be made over months or years, permanent effects are often inevitable, requiring long-term support and interventions to manage ongoing health and disability needs.

Long-term engagement with Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, and Exercise Physiologists is often essential to help maintain as much function as possible.

Therapy Options for Spinal Cord Injuries

Various therapy services are available to help individuals manage the effects of a spinal cord injury. If you're eligible for the NDIS, you can receive funding for necessary therapies.