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Head, Neck, & Spine Injuries

The spinal cord is a conduit for nerves that deliver the messages sent by the brain to the rest of the body. Injuries to the head, neck and spine can all seriously affect the spinal cord, in some cases causing paralysis. Most spinal injuries occur among active males between the ages of 15-35, while the death rate for spinal injuries is higher among children. Head, neck and spine injuries should never be disregarded, and people with such injuries should be given proper medical attention immediately.

  1. Causes

    • Car accidents are one of the biggest causes of head, neck and spine injuries. Sporting accidents are also largely responsible. Diving into shallow water and falling from horses or surfboards are examples. Knife and gunshot wounds, electric shock, and landing heavily on the feet or buttocks are other causes of head, neck and spine injuries.

    Symptoms

    • A person with a spinal injury may display or experience a number of symptoms. These include having the head held in an awkward position, weakness, tingling or numbness in the arms and legs, paralysis in the arms and legs, difficulty walking, problems with bladder or bowel control, shock (going pale, falling in an out of consciousness), loss of memory, and neck and head pain.

    Managing Head, Neck and Spine Injuries

    • It is extremely important when dealing with head, neck and spine injuries that the injured person is not moved. Moving the victim can cause further damage to spinal nerves, and may cost the victim his or her life. If it is absolutely necessary to move the body, the head and neck should be well stabilized. If there is fluid or blood secretion from the victim's ears, try to drain it,but do not put direct pressure on the head. If the injured person is unresponsive, check for breathing and, if necessary, perform CPR. In any case, 911 should be called for assistance.

    Diagnosis

    • A person with a spinal injury will first undergo a basic physical examination and neurological scan. The will help pinpoint the location of the damage. An MRI or ACT scan may be performed that will show the extent of the injury and reveal complications like blood clots. A myelogram, which is comprised of a dye injection and spine x-ray, will show whether or not there are fractures in the bones of the spine. A magnetic simulation or somatosensory evoked potential (SSESP) test might also be used to determine if brain signals can still be transferred through the spinal cord.

    Prevention

    • While accidents can sometimes never be prevented, there are some precautions that can be followed to help avoid injury to the head, neck and spine. These include wearing your seatbelt, wearing helmets on motorcycles and during contact sports, and not diving into pools or other body's of water when unsure of the depth.

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