SPINAL CORD INJURY: CASE REVIEW

Abstract

Spinal cord injury is a debilitating condition that results in partial or complete loss of sensory and motor function below the level of injury. It is a relatively common condition, with an overall incidence rate of 10.4 to 83 cases per million people. The most common causes of spinal cord injury include trauma, degenerative diseases and spinal cord infarction. Symptoms of spinal cord injury may include paralysis, sensory loss, neuropathic pain, urinary and fecal incontinence, among others. Recent advances in the treatment of spinal cord injuries include the use of stem cell therapies, gene therapy, robotic exoskeleton devices, and resistance training. The international standard classification of spinal cord injury is the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI). Spinal cord injury prevention can be achieved through preventive measures, such as safety education in activities that involve risk of spinal cord injury, use of safety devices and fall prevention. Effective management of spinal cord injury requires a multidisciplinary approach, including medical interventions, rehabilitation, and psychological and emotional support.