Care for Spinal Injuries

Spinal cord injuries usually begin with a fracture or dislocation of the vertebrae. Most injuries to the cord fall into three categories -- compression, tearing or severing of the cord. All of these can interfere with the relaying of messages below the point of injury.

Immediate Care

• Spinal cord injuries can be severe and life threatening; immediate care is required. This care begins with the EMTs that make the first evaluation and immobilize the patient. Treatment and care in the first eight hours after injury can mean the difference between recovery and permanent injury and, in some cases, the extent of the injury.

Ongoing Care

• The spinal cord swells in response to trauma. During the first 24 hours, steroids are administered to help reduce swelling and prevent further injury. Stabilization of the injured area is necessary in most cases. Stabilization can be accomplished through surgery to realign the vertebrae, the use of a halo, braces or fusing vertebrae.

Stem Cell Treatment

• Stem cell treatment is in its early stages, and the results remain to be seen. Because embryonic stem cells can become any type of cell, they offer hope in a variety of medical treatments. This particular treatment hopes to replace oligodendrocyte cells lost during injury.