There are a variety of spinal cord injury treatment options that you may choose to follow if you are experiencing symptoms from a spinal cord injury. Having a good knowledge of these options will make it much easier for you to make a decision on the best course of action.
ASIA Impairment Scale
The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale is a comprehensive measurement tool used to assess the severity of spinal cord injury. The ASIA scale consists of five levels, ranging from A-Complete to F-Incomplete, and is designed to provide an extensive picture of the condition.
Using the ASIA Impairment Scale, patients and caregivers can receive the support and guidance they need to manage the physical and psychological impact of spinal cord injury. Whether a patient is in the early stages of treatment, or suffering from chronic spinal cord injury, the results of the evaluation can aid in rehabilitation.
ASIA Impairment Scale is a comprehensive assessment tool that measures sensory and motor function below the level of the injury. It is a multi-level score that is built on the Frankel scale.
ASIA scale is a fairly straightforward assessment, and can help to provide the support and guidance patients and caregivers need to cope with the physical and emotional challenges of spinal cord injury. However, the ASIA scale does not measure other aspects of quality of life.
Peripheral nerve surgery
Peripheral nerve surgery is a type of surgical treatment that reconstructs damaged nerves. It can treat a variety of conditions and injuries, and can help to reduce the pain and disability caused by these problems.
Peripheral nerves are nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord to other parts of the body. These nerves are the source of some of the most basic functions of the body, including sensation and motor control. If these nerves are damaged, they may have trouble sending messages back and forth from the brain to the body.
Neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, pathologists, and physical therapists are some of the specialists who perform peripheral nerve surgeries. These experts develop comprehensive treatment plans for patients with peripheral nerve disorders. They may also recommend other surgeries to treat underlying medical conditions.
For some people, nerve surgeries can lead to a faster recovery than other methods. However, there is no guarantee that this surgery will provide a full recovery.
Acute management of children
Acute spinal cord injury is a serious medical problem that needs immediate medical attention. It is important that the injured person be transferred to a pediatric trauma center.
Spinal cord injuries may affect children of all ages. They are highly disabling diseases. The main goal of rehabilitation is to reduce dependency and improve the quality of life.
Children with spinal cord injuries have better neurologic outcomes than adults. However, they can still have complications.
Pediatric spinal cord injuries pose unique challenges for caregivers and clinicians. Patients will require intensive physical rehabilitation and medical support. Some complications include thromboembolic events, atelectasis, and decubitus ulcers.
Symptoms of acute spinal cord injury vary depending on the location and severity of the injury. For example, an upper neck injury could affect the breathing muscles and result in an inability to breathe. While an upper thoracic injury can cause hypotension, bradycardia, and compromised autonomic control.
Immobilization and stabilization of the injured child is required to prevent additional damage to the nerves. This is usually done with manual in-line immobilization.
Central cord syndrome
Central cord syndrome is a condition that occurs after a spinal cord injury. It is characterized by a disproportionate impairment of upper limb motor function.
Patients may develop chronic issues, such as pain and spasticity. They also have problems with bladder control. Fortunately, patients can recover their motor and sensory functions with the proper treatment.
Central cord syndrome has many different treatment options. Patients can use medicines to reduce their pain, and they can learn how to exercise and take care of themselves.
Patients who have central cord syndrome should have close routine follow-up. In addition, they need to be educated about clean intermittent catheterization. A urinary catheter is needed to monitor the fluid balance in the body.
Central cord syndrome is commonly caused by accidents. However, there are a few other factors that contribute to its occurrence.
When a patient experiences a spinal cord injury, the pressure on the spinal cord causes swelling and bruising. This can affect the nervous system, and result in hypotension.