Researched by: Rayhan
Written by: Serena
Edited by: Yushu
Inside the vertebrae (the backbone), the spinal cord is a tube-like structure made up of a
bundle of nerves that runs from the base of the brain down the back. Transmitting signals
from the brain to the body, enabling movement and feeling. Spinal cord disorders can
impact any of the four regions that make up the spinal cord: the cervical (neck), lumbar
(upper back), thoracic (lower back), and sacral (pelvis).
What are Spinal Cord Disorders?
Conditions that cause the spinal cord to deteriorate and sustain injury, hence impairing
communication, are referred to as spinal cord disorders. Herniated discs, tumors,
spinal stenosis, abscesses, and hematomas, degenerative disc disease and vertebral
fractures are a few possible conditions.
Spinal nerves use the motor root—which uses signals from the spinal cord to activate
muscle movement—and the sensory root—which sends signals from the body to the
spinal cord carrying sensory data (touch, pain, temperature)—to connect the spinal cord
to the body through vertebral gaps. These sensory roots correlate to certain dermatomes
(areas of skin). A spinal cord disorder may be identified, and possible injury may be
located if there is a loss of sensation in a dermatome.
Symptoms
• Limb weakness or paralysis
• Loss of feeling, (including the inability to detect pain, warmth, light touch, or the
location of the arms and legs)
• Reflex changes
• Loss of intestinal (Fecal Incontinence) or urine control
• Uncontrollably tense muscles
• Back discomfort
• Weakened muscles
• Erotic dysfunction
• Reduced perspiration
Causes
Both internal and external factors might result in spinal cord disorders.
• Compression or injury causes external damage; these conditions are
frequently brought on by tumors, herniated disks, hematomas, bone
fractures, or spinal degeneration.
• Problems including multiple sclerosis, syphilis, autoimmune illnesses,
vitamin deficiencies, blood supply blockages, and fluid-filled cavities can
all cause internal harm.
Diagnosis
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis: a diagnostic method for learning more about spinal
cord disorders.
Imaging Tests: The most accurate imaging test for problems of the spinal cord is magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI), which displays the spinal cord and identifies anomalies in the
surrounding bones and soft tissues (such as fractures, hematomas, tumors, abscesses, and
cervical spondylosis).
• Myelography with computed tomography (CT) is an option if MRI is not
accessible. After injecting a radiopaque contrast agent into the region around the
spinal cord, CT images are required for this.
• While X-rays can be used to evaluate problems connected to the spine, CT scans
are often recommended for comprehensive information about the bones.
Physical Examination: This allows one to recognize recurring symptom patterns and
identify possible injury to the spinal cord.
Further Diagnostic Techniques: Specific nerve examinations like Electromyography
(EMG), Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV), and Somatosensory Evoked Potentials
(SSEP) might yield important data.
• The diagnosis approach is aided by neurological tests and family history
investigations.
Treatment:
While effective therapy is not always achievable, prompt medical
intervention is essential if signs of spinal cord disorders (such as paralysis or
loss of feeling) suddenly manifest.
Emergency Care: Using a neck collar and backboard, emergency staff usually
gently immobilize the spine. The goals of treatment are to keep the patient
breathing, minimize problems such as blood clots, immobilize the neck, and
prevent shock. Clients may be sent to a specialist spinal cord injury facility or
admitted to the intensive care unit.
Rehabilitation: Using a coordinated team approach, rehab starts early. Maximizing
independence through stronger muscles, relearning everyday duties, training
with assistive technology, avoiding difficulties, and improving your freedom and
standard of life are the objectives.
New Technology: For those with spinal cord injuries, new medical technologies such
as electric wheelchairs and lightweight wheelchairs with stair-climbing capabilities
increase accessibility and comfort. Modifications to computers such as speech
recognition and key guards to account for hand function limitations.
• Functional electrical stimulation systems with stimulators and
switches/remotes to remotely control devices and arm/leg muscles to
facilitate standing, walking, reaching, and grasping are examples of electric
assistance.
Alternative techniques: Due to potential adverse effects, methylprednisolone
treatment for spinal cord injury was discontinued in the past. Other therapies try to
use traction to straighten the spine, surgery decompression, or use experimental
methods to lessen nerve damage and inflammation.
Fun Facts:
• Anyone can sustain a spinal cord disorder, regardless of their age, gender,
ethnicity, or socioeconomic situation.
• Between 250 000 to 500 000 individuals globally are affected by spinal cord
injuries (SCI) each year.
Sources:
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