Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are severe conditions that impact the spinal cord’s ability to communicate with the brain, affecting motor, sensory and autonomic functions. A spinal cord injury refers to any damage or injury to the spinal cord. The spinal cord’s main function is to send and receive signals between the brain and the rest of the body.
If any part of the spinal cord is damaged, it can result in permanent changes in the strength, mobility, feeling and other functions of the body. Because of the severe and permanent effects of spinal cord injuries, patients often suffer from psychological and mental effects post-injury. A spinal cord injury is a dangerous and debilitating condition that must be assessed and treated by qualified doctors for spinal cord injury treatment at the earliest.
Symptoms Of Spinal Cord Injury
A spinal cord injury can manifest in the form of sensory, motor and autonomic symptoms caused by the severity of affected signals between the spinal cord and the brain.
Sensory symptoms
Sensory symptoms such as pain, tingling and/or numbness in other parts of the body such as arms, hands, legs, and feet.
Motor symptoms
Motor symptoms such as reduced strength in muscles, muscle spasms and paralysis.
Autonomic Symptoms
Autonomic symptoms that include slow heart rate and blood pressure, low body temperature, urinary or faecal incontinence and erectile dysfunction.
Causes
Spinal fractures are mostly caused by accidents, falls, sports or other injuries that cause high-impact trauma to the spine and back.
- Degeneration of the bones such as osteoporosis.
- Infections that attack the spinal cord.
- Congenital spinal conditions.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Accidents, falls and motor-vehicle crashes.
- Injuries caused by penetration of bullets, sharp objects and other violent acts.
- Sports-related injuries such as diving.
- Spinal tumours.
Spinal Cord Injury Types
Understanding the types of spinal cord injuries and their severity is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan.
Looking for treatments for spinal cord injury? Contact our qualified spinal cord injury specialist Dr Gamaliel Tan in Singapore today for diagnosis and treatment with Ortho Spineworks.
Cervical Spine
Thoracic Spine
Lumbar Spine
Sacral Spine
Diagnosis
- A neurological exam to check the strength of certain muscles and assess your sensation and reflex responses.
- MRI and CT scans to visualise the bones, muscles and soft tissues surrounding the spine.
- Other diagnostic tests such as nerve conduction tests and electromyography to assess the amount of damage to the spinal cord and connecting nerves.
Spinal Cord Injury Treatment In Singapore
Medication
In certain cases, high-dose corticosteroids may be administered to decrease swelling of the spinal cord before surgery.
Spinal Cord Injury Surgery
Surgical procedure is often the only way to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and prevent further damage.
Long-Term Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation & Support
Patients may need long-term support and spinal cord injury rehab for many weeks, months and even years following the injury and treatment. Physical and occupational therapy is crucial to building strength and making the body adapt to the effects following the injury. Some patients, especially those with severe spinal cord injuries, may require continued in-home care and support.
FAQs on Spinal Cord Injury
If someone suspects a spinal cord injury following an accident or trauma, it is best to immobilise the person and seek professional help as early as possible to rule out any severe condition and start treatment accordingly. Some of the emergency symptoms that may point towards a spinal cord injury after an accident include extreme pain or pressure in the neck, head, and/or back. Moreover, weakness or loss of control in any part of the body, numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the arms, hands, legs or feet can potentially be caused by a spinal cord injury that must be assessed by a spine specialist at the earliest.
Most of the spinal cord injuries are caused by accidents and traumas. Creating a general awareness around oneself, taking the right precautions and avoiding situations that may result in a traumatic event can help prevent spinal cord injuries.
If you have a spinal cord injury, it may affect your lifestyle, daily activities, the way you walk, work, or drive, and your relationships. Depending on the type of SCI, your life may be minimally or deeply affected. Taking the time to adjust to your new routine and following an effective rehab program can help you create realistic goals and achieve them to make the most of your abilities.
The prognosis for complete spinal cord injuries is quite poor with less than a 5% chance of recovery. If patients experience complete paralysis after 72 hours of the injury, chances for recovery are almost negligible. In case of incomplete spinal cord injury, some new treatment approaches like prostheses and medicines may promote nerve regeneration that may allow patients to experience some nerve recovery in the next few months or years.
While there is no complete cure for spinal cord injuries, ongoing treatments and rehabilitation can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Our Specialist
About Gamaliel Tan
MBBS (S'pore), MMED (S'pore), FAMS (Ortho), FRCS (Edin)Dr Gamaliel Tan is a spine surgeon in Singapore with over 25 years of experience in designing and providing effective solutions for different orthopaedic problems. He specialises in spine surgery and has experience in endoscopic spine surgery and motion preservation spine procedures (artificial disc replacements).
Qualifications and Achievements
- Head of Department, Department of Orthopaedics | NTFGH 2009 - 2018
- Council member of the AOSpine East Asia group 2017 – 2020
- Head of the Spine Division | NTFGH 2009 - 2023
- Group Chief Medical Informatics Officer (GCMIO) | NUHS 2020-2023
Accreditations
Medisave & Insurance
