{"id":896,"date":"2021-08-18T11:55:17","date_gmt":"2021-08-18T06:25:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yashodahealthcare.com\/blogs\/?p=896"},"modified":"2023-03-21T11:33:38","modified_gmt":"2023-03-21T06:03:38","slug":"step-by-step-guide-to-survive-spinal-injury-trauma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yashodahealthcare.com\/blogs\/step-by-step-guide-to-survive-spinal-injury-trauma\/","title":{"rendered":"Step-by-Step Guide to Survive Spinal Injury & Trauma\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/span> 4<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

Spinal cord injury (SCI)<\/strong> is a debilitating and one of the most atrocious neurological conditions which tremendously impacts a person\u2019s life, both socio-economically as well as physically. While the most obvious consequence of spinal cord injury is paralysis, there are other wider consequences as well, such as those related to the bladder, bowel, respiratory, cardiovascular and sexual functions. Though complete recovery is never attainable in the case of complete or incomplete spinal cord injury, recovery to a great extent is possible with appropriate care and procedures initiating from the time of the injury itself. However, the extent of recovery depends upon the severity or nature of the injury.<\/p>\n

Sometimes along with primary conditions, other conditions such as pressure sores and blood clots, pressure ulcers, muscle spasm, urinary tract infection, respiratory infections etc. too develop which need long-term care and management.<\/span><\/p>\n

Approximately 17000 people suffer from spinal cord injury each year. About 50% of these patients are between the age group of 16-30 as accidents & falls during traffic collision or adventurous activities are the primary cause of the injury. Recovery in most of the incomplete injury cases is attainable with regular attention & care. However, this process is time-consuming & long-term.<\/span><\/p>\n

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) treatment & recovery usually takes place in two stages<\/b>:<\/span><\/h2>\n

First stage\/ Initial stage:<\/b><\/h3>\n

The treatment and diagnosis of the spinal cord injury works simultaneously and begins from the spot of the accident itself. The paramedics, after stabilizing the patient, immobilize the entire spine area with the help of neck collars on any suspicion of spine injury.<\/span><\/p>\n

Then, the patient is admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) where various tests and examinations are done to find the exact nature and site of the injury.<\/span><\/p>\n

In most of the cases, traction is done to align the spine accompanied by various other standard care procedures such as blood pressure and cardiovascular monitoring, stabilizing pulmonary function and preventing and simultaneously treating any other complications arising from the situation. On diagnosing the extent or severity of the injury, the neurologists decide whether to perform the surgery or not. For this, doctors use ASIA spine impairment grading system:<\/span><\/p>\n

Grade A:<\/strong> Complete SCI i.e. no motor or sensory functions<\/span><\/p>\n

Grade B:<\/strong> Incomplete SCI i.e. sensory but no motor functions<\/span><\/p>\n

Grade C:<\/strong> Incomplete motor functions below the neurological level (less than 3)<\/span><\/p>\n

Grade D:<\/strong> Incomplete motor functions is preserved below the neurological level (muscle grade of 3 or more)<\/span><\/p>\n

Grade E:<\/strong> Normal, all sensory and motor functions are normal or functioning<\/span><\/p>\n

On identifying the severity of the grade of injury, different treatment plans are suggested or advised. Though surgeries do not fully cure the patient, they minimize the danger of future complications and pain. Surgeries are mostly done in cases of detection of any blood clots, herniated discs or other concussions which may be compressing the spine. It is mostly done in cases of incomplete SCIs. <\/span><\/p>\n

Second Stage:<\/b><\/h3>\n