The main consequence of spinal cord injury is permanent disability or loss of sensation and movement below the site of injury. The degree of disability depends on whether the whole cord is injured (complete spinal cord injury) or part of it is injured (incomplete spinal cord injury), and where the injury occurs.
The effects of spinal cord injury include:
- muscle weakness or paralysis
- breathing difficulties
- loss of sensation or numbness
- pain
- reduced control of body temperature
- incontinence due to loss of bladder control (neurogenic bladder)
- faecal incontinence and constipation due to loss of bowel control
- erectile dysfunction
Causes of spinal cord injury
Most spinal cord injuries result from damaged or broken bones in the back or neck, which in turn damage the nerves of the spinal cord. This is typically the result of ‘traumatic’ injury due to: - car or motorcycle accidents
- accidents at work or at home
- sports injuries
- violence
- surgery
As well as these traumatic causes, spinal cord injury can be the result of ‘non-traumatic’ injury, such as: - bacterial or viral infection of the spinal nerve cells
- growths pressing on the spinal cord
- problems with blood supply to the spinal cord
- medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis and spina bifida
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