Whois & Analysis for spinalcord.com

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord that causes changes in its function, either temporary or permanent.

These changes translate into loss of muscle function, sensation, or autonomic function in parts of the body served by the spinal cord below the level of the lesion.

Injuries can occur at any level of the spinal cord and can be classified as complete injury, a total loss of sensation and muscle function, or incomplete, meaning some nervous signals are able to travel past the injured area of the cord.

Depending on the location and severity of damage along the spinal cord, the symptoms can vary widely, from pain or numbness to paralysis to incontinence.

The prognosis also ranges widely, from full recovery in rare cases to permanent tetraplegia (also called quadriplegia) in injuries at the level of the neck, and paraplegia in lower injuries.

Complications that can occur in the short and long term after injury include muscle atrophy, pressure sores, infections, and respiratory problems.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI), also known as intracranial injury, occurs when an external force injure the brain.

TBI can be classified based on severity, mechanism (closed or penetrating head injury), or other features (e.g., occurring in a specific location or over a widespread area).

Head injury is a broader category that may involve damage to other structures such as the scalp and skull.

TBI can result in physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioral symptoms, and outcome can range from complete recovery to permanent disability or death.

Major trauma is any injury that has the potential to cause prolonged disability or death.

There are many causes of major trauma, blunt and penetrating, including falls, motor vehicle collisions, and stabbing and gunshot wounds.

Depending on the severity of injury, quick management and transport to an appropriate medical facility (called a trauma center) may be necessary to prevent loss of life or limb.

The initial assessment involves a physical evaluation and can also include the use of imaging tools to accurately determine a type of injury and to formulate a course of treatment.

Various classification scales exist for use with trauma to determine the severity of injuries, which is used to determine the resources used and for statistical collection.

The initial assessment is critical in determining the extent of injuries and what will be needed to manage an injury, and treating immediate life threats.