Spinal Cord Injury Diagnosis

Spinal cord injury (SCI) refers to neurological dysfunction caused by external or internal factors damaging the spinal cord, commonly seen in traffic accidents and falls. SCI may cause loss of motor, sensory, or even autonomic functions, and severe cases can be life-threatening. Timely diagnosis is critical for treatment and rehabilitation.

Diagnostic Basis for Spinal Cord Injury

1. Clinical presentation and preliminary diagnosis

The clinical manifestations of spinal cord injury are diverse. Common symptoms include limb weakness, numbness, muscle spasms, and loss of reflexes. Patients often show acute SCI symptoms, such as spinal shock, leading to paralysis or sensory loss in the limbs. Based on medical history, trauma circumstances, and symptom progression, physicians can make a preliminary judgment of SCI.

2. Neurological assessment

Neurological assessment is an important part of SCI diagnosis. Physicians evaluate the extent of injury by detailed history-taking, observing symptoms, and testing sensory and motor function. Common evaluation standards include:

① ASIA score: The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) developed a grading standard to assess the severity of SCI, ranging from A (complete injury) to E (normal function).

② Neurological function examination: Muscle strength, sensation, and reflexes are tested to determine the location and nature of SCI.

3. Imaging studies

Imaging studies are the gold standard for diagnosing SCI. Commonly used imaging methods include:

① X-ray: Helps quickly detect spinal fractures or dislocations to preliminarily assess spinal damage.

② CT scan: Provides detailed spinal bone images, effectively detecting fractures and dislocations.

③ MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): The preferred method for diagnosing SCI, MRI clearly shows spinal cord edema, hemorrhage, or compression, helping to locate and assess the severity of damage. Compared with CT, MRI has greater advantages in detecting soft tissue injury.

4. Electrophysiological examinations

Electrophysiological tests help assess nerve function after SCI. Common methods include:

① Evoked potential test: By stimulating peripheral nerves and recording spinal cord responses, conduction function can be evaluated and severity determined.

② Nerve conduction velocity test: Assesses nerve conduction after SCI, particularly useful during the acute injury stage.

5. Other auxiliary tests

In addition to routine clinical and imaging evaluations, other tests can aid SCI diagnosis:

① Blood tests: Help rule out accompanying conditions such as infection or anemia, particularly when SCI is combined with other diseases.

② Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination: Useful in suspected infectious or inflammatory SCI, providing important diagnostic clues.

Conclusion

Experts at United Life International Medical Center state that SCI diagnosis requires integrating multiple aspects of information, including clinical presentation, neurological assessment, imaging, and electrophysiological tests. Early and accurate diagnosis is critical for treatment, helping determine the type, location, and severity of injury. With advances in medical imaging technology, SCI diagnostic methods have become increasingly precise, providing better opportunities for treatment. Therefore, early recognition and timely diagnosis are of great importance in improving patient outcomes.