Spinal Cord Injury

What is a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord, a vital bundle of nerves that runs down the middle of your back. This damage disrupts the signals between your brain and the rest of your body, leading to a loss of function, such as mobility or sensation, below the level of the injury.

A spinal cord injury is a medical emergency that can cause permanent disability. Immediate and expert medical attention is critical to minimize long-term effects and improve the chances of recovery. At the Nova Hospital Meerut neurology department, we provide urgent, comprehensive care for SCI patients.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries can be caused by both traumatic and non-traumatic events. The most common causes include:

• Road Accidents: Car and motorcycle accidents are a leading cause of SCI.
• Falls: Severe falls, especially in older adults, can cause significant spinal damage.
• Acts of Violence: Gunshot wounds or stabbings can sever or damage the spinal cord.
• Sports Injuries: High-impact sports like football, diving, or gymnastics can lead to traumatic SCI.
• Medical Conditions: Diseases such as cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis, and inflammation of the spinal cord can also cause injury.

Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury

Symptoms depend on the location and severity of the injury. Seek emergency medical help if you or someone else experiences:

• Extreme pain or pressure in the neck, head, or back.
• Loss of movement or paralysis in any part of the body.
• Loss of or altered sensation, including the ability to feel heat, cold, and touch.
• Loss of bowel or bladder control.
• Difficulty breathing, coughing, or clearing secretions from your lungs.
• Numbness, tingling, or a "pins and needles" sensation in the hands, fingers, feet, or toes.

Advanced Diagnosis at Nova Hospital

An accurate and rapid diagnosis is crucial for effective Spinal Cord Injury treatment in Meerut. Our expert neurologists and emergency physicians use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to assess the extent of the damage.

• Neurological Examination: Our doctors will perform a thorough assessment of your muscle strength and ability to feel sensations.
• X-rays: To check for vertebral fractures, dislocations, or other bone problems.
• CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: Provides a more detailed look at the bones and can reveal issues not visible on an X-ray.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This is the best imaging tool to see the spinal cord itself, helping to identify herniated discs, blood clots, or other masses pressing on the cord.

Personalized Treatment for Spinal Cord Injury

At Nova Hospital, we offer a multi-disciplinary approach to SCI, creating personalized treatment plans that cover everything from emergency intervention to long-term rehabilitation.

Immediate (Emergency) Treatment

• Immobilization: The first step is to carefully immobilize the spine to prevent further damage.
• Medication: Intravenous (IV) medications may be used to reduce swelling and inflammation around the spinal cord.
• Surgery: Our neurosurgeons may perform surgery to remove bone fragments, stabilize the spine with rods and screws, or relieve pressure on the cord.

Ongoing Care and Rehabilitation

• Physical Therapy: To maintain and strengthen muscle function.
• Occupational Therapy: To help patients relearn daily tasks and adapt to their new abilities.
• Assistive Devices: Prescribing wheelchairs, braces, and other modern technologies to improve mobility and independence.
• Pain Management: Comprehensive strategies to manage chronic pain associated with SCI.