About Spinal Cord Injuries
The history of healthcare for spinal cord injuries (SCI) has evolved significantly, yet the journey is far from over. In the early 20th century, a spinal cord injury was often a death sentence, with few survivors living beyond a year due to complications like infections and bedsores. Medical advancements in antibiotics, such as penicillin during World War II, drastically improved survival rates.
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By the mid-20th century, specialized spinal cord injury centers emerged, focusing on rehabilitation and improved quality of life. Landmark innovations like the development of the wheelchair and advancements in physical therapy played a pivotal role in fostering independence.
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In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, neurorehabilitation therapies and technologies like electrical stimulation and robotic-assisted devices began to redefine recovery potential. Recent breakthroughs in stem cell research, nerve regeneration, and functional electrical stimulation (FES) offer hope for further recovery and independence.
Today, organizations like Conquer Paralysis Now are driving innovation in spinal cord injury research, offering comprehensive care at facilities like the DRIVEN NeuroRecovery Center and funding cutting-edge therapies aimed at improving quality of life and working toward a cure.
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By addressing the complex challenges of spinal cord injuries, we continue to progress toward a future where paralysis is conquered.
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Complete vs. Incomplete SCI
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In the least severe cases, SCI can result in minor to intense pain. An incomplete injury refers to SCI where movement and sensation is affected in varying degrees. A more severe SCI can cause complete injury, resulting in total loss of function. Usually, the effects of SCI are felt below the point of injury, so the higher the injury is on the spinal cord, the more significant the impact will be on the body.
The American Spinal Injury Association developed the ASIA impairment scale to determine and classify functionality following an SCI. A test performed by specially trained physicians can determine which classification is appropriate following the injury.
The impact of spinal cord injury (SCI) has on a person’s body can be devastating. Factors such as age, weight and general physical health can also affect a person’s functionality and recovery following an injury.
The higher the injury on the spinal cord, the more significant the impact on the body. Injuries occurring in the upper cervical nerves (C1-C4) are usually the most severe. Symptoms can include paralysis in the arms, hands, legs and torso. The patient may not be able to breathe or cough without assistance. Loss of bowel and bladder control is common and speech may be impaired.
When all four limbs are affected, this is called quadriplegia. A quadriplegic requires 24-hour assistance with most basic life needs including bathing, dressing, eating and getting in and out of bed. Highly specialized wheelchairs and computers have been developed to help patients move about on their own.
Lower cervical nerve (C5 – C8) injuries can be slightly less severe, but will still greatly impact limb movement, especially the hands, wrists, and legs. Some arm movement may be possible. The effects on breathing and speech may not be as severe as a higher cervical nerve injury. Bladder and bowel control will likely be limited. A person with lower cervical nerve injuries will have a greater ability to move with specialized wheelchairs and may be able to drive in an adapted vehicle.
Injuries occurring in the upper thoracic nerves (T1 – T5) primarily affect the torso and legs. This condition is called paraplegia. Because arm and hand function is usually normal, a manual wheelchair may be used and driving in a specially adapted vehicle is possible. Injuries occurring in the lower thoracic nerves (T6 – T12) will also affect the legs and torso, though walking may be possible with the use of braces. Bowel and bladder control will likely be affected.
Injuries to the lumbar nerves (L1 – L5) and sacral nerves (S1 – S5) will affect the hips and legs and limit bowel and bladder control. Wheelchairs and braces will help a patient achieve mobility; walking may still be possible even with sacral nerve damage.