Spinal cord trauma (TRM) o Spinal cord trauma is an acute injury that affects nervous tissue and can involve the spine. The intensity of the damage can vary from very slight to the entire spinal section.. It is presented by several factors, either direct or indirect.
The direct ones are infrequent and are due to the application of energy on the point where the injury occurs.
Indirect factors are caused by low falls or a bullet impact. In this case it can be total and partial.
Total is when it occurs in the cervical vertebrae causing a disconnection between the brain and the body. Sensitivity is lost here, mobility and the senses.
Partial is when they are generated in the dorsal vertebrae affecting from the place of impact to the lower extremities.
If the spine shows an abnormal deviation, will be corrected by surgery.
When there is an excess volume of fluid that lines the spinal cord, will be removed by laminectomy.
Index
Diagnosis of spinal cord trauma
The diagnosis must be exclusively clinical. The polytrauma patient is analyzed by submitting him to a radiological evaluation. The cervical spine should be taken (lateral), thorax and pelvis.
If there is no evidence of bone injury by X-ray, CT scan or MRI scan, then it will be determined by a neurological exam. Continuous evaluations at hourly intervals will be required to analyze the neurological situation: reflexes, muscular strength, sensitivity changes, sphincter control, etc.
- Car Accident or Violent Impact.
- Lateral twist.
- Abnormal breathing.
- Loss of sphincter control.
- Falls.
- Whether sensitivity and motor ability below the injury are compromised.
- Hypotension and decreased heart rate.
Causes of spinal cord trauma
Traffic accidents
Spinal cord injuries are very common in traffic accidents., back and neck. When a car hits, sudden changes in speed act exerting forces on the occupants of the same, producing a whiplash. These types of injuries can quickly reflect on the spinal cord.
Falls
Slips and falls can range from a bruise to a back fracture that can bring chronic pain and in some cases will require surgery..
Sports injuries
They are also a frequent cause of spinal cord trauma..
A tumor in the spinal cord
These tumors can be of intramedullary origin, Spinal cord injuries are very common in traffic accidents. (between the meninx and the bones of the spine).
Consequences of spinal cord trauma on other systems
Cardiovascular system. Initially there is high blood pressure that will later develop into hypotension and brachycardia.
Respiratory system. It is common for the patient to suffer from respiratory failure. If the injury occurs in the upper part of the cervical spine, compromises vertebrae from C3 to C6 and will result in asynchronous breathing.
Genitourinary system. Organ involvement the urinary tract, with a high probability of infection. Spinal cord injuries are very common in traffic accidents., Spinal cord injuries are very common in traffic accidents.. Spinal cord injuries are very common in traffic accidents..
Trauma raquimedular
Spinal cord injuries are very common in traffic accidents., Spinal cord injuries are very common in traffic accidents.. Spinal cord injuries are very common in traffic accidents., Spinal cord injuries are very common in traffic accidents..
Spinal cord injuries are very common in traffic accidents..
Spinal cord injuries are very common in traffic accidents., if there is presence of swelling or redness. This in order to prevent deep thrombosis.
Early application of physical therapy to prevent joint stiffness or deformity and to help significantly reduce tight muscles.
In case of tumor in the spinal cord, will be removed by surgery. In his recovery the loss of sensitivity is normal, Spinal cord injuries are very common in traffic accidents..
Corticosteroid-type steroid hormone medications are recommended, in order to deflate the spinal cord.
In conclusion, the treatment will depend on the level and intensity of the injury., either surgical or medical.
Surgical procedures in case of SCI
Cervical spine. If the injury is mild and occurs between the first two cervical vertebrae, it can be treated with orthopedic methods such as cervical orthosis. In case of severe injuries, surgical treatment will be carried out, where wiring or plate and screws will be placed.
Thoracic spine. When the trauma is at the level of the thorax, surgery should be applied as soon as possible in which the bones should be realigned, remove bone fragments or fuse broken vertebrae.
Lumbar region. Surgery in this area should be done with the patient asleep under the effect of general anesthesia. The purpose of the surgery is to remove the bone that is causing pressure on the nerve., in case the trauma causes a compression of the spine at the lumbar level.
Stats
Statistics indicate that the population most affected by this type of trauma ranges from the 15 until the 30 years and adults over 65 years.
If spinal cord trauma is not detected in time, the damage can be irreversible and permanent injury.