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Neck Injury : Spinal Cord InjuryThe spinal cord is a fibrous structure, which is housed in the bony confines of the spinal column. Spinal cord injury occurs almost exclusively as the result of major trauma. Motor vehicle accidents, diving injuries, falls, and gunshot wounds make up a large portion of these incidents. Review the neck injury: (general) section for important information concerning spinal cord injury. The spinal cord is protected by the bone structure, known as vertebrae. The vertebrae are "stacked" on top of one another and fastened by ligaments. Muscles overlay this framework and provide dynamic structural support. Common symptoms of spinal cord injury range from numbness, tingling, or weakness in an extremity, to total inability to move (paralysis). Severe spinal cord injury can result in respiratory arrest, particularly when the cord damage is "high up" toward the neck. The "higher up" the cord damage, the more it will involve ALL the extremities and interfere with normal bodily functions, such as blood pressure regulation and breathing. Neurologic shock, or severe lowering of the blood pressure, occasionally occurs and is a common cause of death in patients with these injuries. Evaluation of these injuries include a physical examination to discover the extent of neurologic damage. Spine x-rays disclose the majority of fractures. With spinal cord injury, a fracture is usually present, but not in all cases. CT-scanning or magnetic resonance scanning can reveal spinal cord contusion and the spatial relationship between the bone fracture fragments and the spinal cord. Treatment involves rigid immobilization. Surgery will be required in cases where decompression of the cord can be accomplished through the removal of fracture fragments, or hematomas. A stabilization procedure (surgical fixation) will be necessary in some cases. Medications are given to reduce spinal cord swelling. Blood pressure and respiratory support are crucial in these patients. Assisted mechanical ventilation is necessary in those with higher cord injuries. The Neurosurgeon is the expert in the management of these cases.
|  Hip Dislocation Hip Fracture Insect Stings and Spider Bites Human and Animal Bites Shoulder Injury Fracture Toxic Inhalations and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Facial Injury Jaw Fracture and Dislocation Kidney Injury Knee Injury General Considerations Knee Injury Contusion Knee Injury Fracture Knee Injury Sprain Stab Wounds Leg Injury Fractures and Contusions Leg Injury Shin Splints Lightning Injury Oral and Tongue Injuries Nasal Fracture or Contusion Neck Injury General Considerations Neck Injury Fracture Neck Injury Spinal Cord Injury Pelvic Bone Fracture Puncture Wounds Chest Injury Rib Fracture Back Injury Sacrococcygeal Injury Scorpion Bites Abrasion Injuries Shoulder Injury Clavicle Fracture Shoulder Injury Strains and Sprains Snakebite Neck Injury Spinal Cord Injury Abdominal Injury Ruptured Spleen Foot Injury Toe Fracture and Sprain Vaginal or Vulvar Injury Drowning and Near Drowning |
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