Spinal Cord Injury
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Spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when a traumatic
event results in damage to cells within the spinal cord or severs
the nerve tracts that relay signals up and down the spinal cord. The
most common types of SCI include contusion (bruising of the spinal
cord) and compression (caused by pressure on the spinal cord). Other
types of injuries include lacerations (severing or tearing of some
nerve fibers, such as damage caused by a gun shot wound), and
central cord syndrome (specific damage to the corticospinal tracts
of the cervical region of the spinal cord). Severe SCI often causes
paralysis (loss of control over voluntary movement and muscles of
the body) and loss of sensation and reflex function below the point
of injury, including autonomic activity such as breathing and other
activities such as bowel and bladder control. Other symptoms such as
pain or sensitivity to stimuli, muscle spasms, and sexual
dysfunction may develop over time. SCI patients are also prone to
develop secondary medical problems, such as bladder infections, lung
infections, and bed sores.
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While recent advances in emergency care and
rehabilitation allow many SCI patients to survive, methods for
reducing the extent of injury and for restoring function are still
limited. Immediate treatment for acute SCI includes techniques to
relieve cord compression, prompt (within 8 hours of the injury) drug
therapy with corticosteroids such as methylprednisolone to minimize
cell damage, and stabilization of the vertebrae of the spine to
prevent further injury.
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The types of disability associated with SCI vary
greatly depending on the severity of the injury, the segment of the
spinal cord at which the injury occurs, and which nerve fibers are
damaged. Most people with SCI regain some functions between a week
and 6 months after injury, but the likelihood of spontaneous
recovery diminishes after 6 months. Rehabilitation strategies can
minimize long-term disability.
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NINDS research on trauma-related disorders such as SCI
focuses on increasing scientific understanding of how changes in
molecules, cells, and their complex interactions determine the
outcome of SCI, and finding ways to prevent and treat these
injuries. There is also increasing interest in neural stem and
progenitor cells and their potential application in cell replacement
therapies for the treatment of complex neurological disorders such
as SCI.
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Christopher Reeve
Paralysis Foundation/ Paralysis Resource Center
National Rehabilitation Information Center
(NARIC)
Miami Project to Cure Paralysis/
Buoniconti Fund
National Spinal Cord
Injury Association
Paralyzed Veterans of America
(PVA)
Spinal Cord Society
Geoffrey Lance Foundation
for SCI Research and Support
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