Spinal Cord Injury Symptoms

The spinal cord is an important part of the central nervous system, responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and various parts of the body. Spinal cord injury (SCI) refers to nerve function loss caused by external trauma or disease affecting the spinal cord. SCI impacts motor, sensory, and autonomic nervous functions of the body, and in severe cases may lead to permanent disability.

Detailed Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injury

1. Classification of Spinal Cord Injury

Based on the site and severity of the injury, SCI can be divided into the following types:

① Injury site:

● Cervical injury (C1-C7): Usually affects motor and sensory function in all four limbs. Higher lesions may lead to quadriplegia, while lower lesions may only affect the upper or lower limbs.

● Thoracic injury (T1-T12): Mainly affects the lower limbs, leading to paraplegia, often accompanied by dysfunction of the abdomen, bladder, and intestines.

● Lumbar injury (L1-L5) and Sacral injury (S1-S5): Usually affects only the lower limbs. Patients may develop gait problems or partial loss of control over the lower limbs.

② Degree of injury:

● Complete injury: The spinal cord is completely severed or severely damaged, resulting in total loss of motor and sensory function below the injured area.

● Incomplete injury: The spinal cord is partially damaged, and patients may retain partial motor or sensory function.

2. Common Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injury

① Loss of motor function: The most common symptom of SCI is motor function loss in the limbs. Depending on the site and degree of injury, patients may develop quadriplegia, paraplegia, or lower limb motor disorders.

② Sensory loss: Loss or numbness of sensation below the injured area is another common symptom. Patients may lose touch, pain, and temperature perception, and in severe cases, may be completely unresponsive to external stimuli.

③ Autonomic dysfunction: SCI may cause dysfunction of the bladder and intestines, manifested as urinary incontinence, constipation, and difficulty urinating. It may also affect thermoregulation, making patients uncomfortable in cold or hot environments.

④ Respiratory difficulty: High-level SCI, especially cervical injury, may impair respiratory muscles, leading to breathing difficulties. In severe cases, patients may require mechanical ventilation support.

⑤ Abnormal reflexes: SCI may cause abnormal reflexes, commonly manifested as pathological reflexes such as hyperactive knee or ankle reflexes. Some patients may experience spasms or involuntary muscle contractions.

⑥ Sexual dysfunction: SCI may also affect sexual function. Men may experience erectile dysfunction or ejaculation problems, while women may have reduced libido or reproductive health issues.

Conclusion

The symptoms of spinal cord injury vary depending on the site and severity of the injury. Common symptoms include loss of motor function, sensory impairment, and autonomic dysfunction. Experts at United Life International Medical Center emphasize that early diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial for alleviating symptoms and restoring function. With the advancement of regenerative medicine, treatment prospects for spinal cord injury are gradually improving, and patients can achieve better quality of life through rehabilitation therapy.