The spinal cord is a vital and complex structure that transmits nerve signals between the limbs and the brain's control center, enabling the body to move and function properly. Spinal cord injuries can disrupt this signal transmission process, impacting both movement and sensation.
What is Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)?
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a condition where damage occurs to the spinal cord, resulting in impaired movement, sensation, and even the function of certain organs. This injury can have short-term and long-term consequences, even permanent disability, if not treated properly.
Spinal cord tissue damage can occur due to trauma or certain medical conditions. These injuries are divided into two types: complete and incomplete. In a complete injury, there is a complete loss of movement and sensation below the level of injury. Meanwhile, in an incomplete injury, some movement or sensation remains. The severity of this condition depends largely on the location and extent of the damage to the spinal cord.
Causes of Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries generally occur due to trauma that damages the spinal column and the nerve tissue within it. In general, the causes of SCI are divided into two broad categories:
1. Traumatic Injury
In this situation, a fracture or dislocation of the vertebrae can cause pressure or direct injury to the spinal cord which occurs due to:
- Traffic accident
- Fall from a height
- Sports injuries
- Physical violence or gunshot wounds
2. Non-Traumatic Injuries
Caused by certain medical conditions, such as:
- Spinal infection
- Tumor in the spinal area
- Bleeding
- Degenerative spinal disease
- Inflammation or autoimmune disorders
Impact of Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries can cause a variety of effects, depending on the location and severity of the injury. The higher the injury (for example, in the neck), the more extensive the body area affected. The following are some of the disorders caused by spinal cord injuries:
1. Movement Disorders (Motor)
Injury to the spinal cord can block signals from the brain to the muscles, causing:
- Partial paralysis (paraplegia): usually affects both legs
- Paralysis of the entire body from the neck down (tetraplegia)
- Muscle weakness
- Coordination and balance disorders
- Spasticity (muscle stiffness or spasms)
2. Sensory Disorders
This condition increases the risk of further injury due to the loss of the body's ability to detect pain or pressure. In addition to motor impairment, patients may also experience sensory impairments below the injured area, such as:
- Numb
- Tingling
- Decreased or loss of the ability to feel heat, cold, or pain
- Burning sensation or nerve pain (neuropathic pain)
3. Organ Function Disorders
In spinal cord injury, damage to the nerve pathways affects not only movement and sensation, but also the function of vital organs. These disorders include:
- Respiratory disorders
- Bladder and bowel control disorders
- Sexual dysfunction
- Blood pressure disorders
How is Spinal Cord Injury Treated?
Spinal cord injury (SCI) treatment aims to prevent further damage, maintain vital organ function, and optimize patient abilities through long-term rehabilitation.
Some of the handling steps taken include:
- Immobilization and surgical procedures
- Medicines to reduce inflammation
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Psychological support
When Should You Go to the Hospital Immediately?
Seek immediate medical evaluation and treatment if someone experiences severe post-traumatic neck or back pain, sudden numbness or weakness in the extremities, impaired urinary or defecation control, or difficulty breathing after the injury. Prompt and appropriate medical intervention is crucial to prevent worsening and minimize the risk of permanent neurological damage.
Spinal cord injury is a serious condition that can drastically alter a person's life. It can be caused by trauma or certain diseases, and its effects can affect movement, sensation, and organ function.
Early detection, rapid treatment, and comprehensive rehabilitation are key to improving patients' chances of recovery and quality of life.
Article written by Dr. I Made Buddy Setiawan, M.Biomed, Sp.OT(K)Spine (Orthopedic & Traumatology Specialist, Spine Consultant at EMC Cikarang, Pekayon & Sentul Hospital).