If you have recently suffered a spinal cord injury, you might be tempted to ignore the symptoms. However, there are some important aspects of this condition that you must be aware of.
Medications
There are a number of different medications for spinal cord injuries. These can help to relieve pain and spasticity, as well as to alleviate secondary complications such as fatigue.
Corticosteroids can be used to prevent damage from occurring in the early stages of a spinal cord injury. They can also help to reduce swelling and inflammation, which may result from the injury. However, they have a high risk of developing side effects.
In addition to medications, people with spinal cord injuries can benefit from a number of different treatments and rehabilitation. These include physical therapy and the use of a wheelchair.
Depending on the severity of the injury, you may need to undergo traction to reposition the spine. Traction can help to align the spine and remove herniated disks.
Weight loss
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a traumatic event that changes the energy homeostasis of a person. As a result, individuals may not be able to eat the same foods as before the injury. They may also experience increased hunger. Therefore, healthcare professionals should address nutrition during rehabilitation.
Weight loss after SCI is a common problem for many individuals. This is due to muscle atrophy and reduced muscle stores. However, some individuals are able to maintain their weight after SCI.
The authors of this study sought to examine patterns of weight change after spinal cord injury. To do this, they used the SCIMS database. A total of 1094 participants had their height and weight recorded. In addition, their BMI was measured.
The results showed that during the first year after injury, the mean BMI decreased by 0.5 kg/m2. Overweight and obese participants lost weight, whereas individuals who were classified as underweight during rehabilitation gained weight.
Muscle atrophy
After spinal cord injury (SCI), muscle and bone atrophy are prominent symptoms. These complications have serious health consequences. In addition to limiting mobility, they can lead to psychosocial issues and increase fracture risk. To prevent or reverse these changes, various interventions have been explored.
The most promising approach to restore muscle after SCI is to combine physical rehabilitation with drugs. Pharmacologic adjuvants have been tested in patients with paralyzed limbs and have shown to improve recovery after reinnervation.
The most studied agents are b2-adrenergic agonists. However, their effectiveness decreases with injury severity.
Other anabolic agents, such as myostatin inhibitors, show diminished ability to inhibit SCI-induced muscle atrophy. Another promising strategy is the use of high-dose methylprednisolone to suppress the secondary injury cascade.
Recent research has provided an overview of the SCI phenotype and molecular signaling pathways. This review aims to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of muscle and bone changes after SCI.
Sexual function
Spinal cord injury can have a significant impact on sexual function. Affected men can experience erectile dysfunction, and women may experience transient amenorrhea. Sexuality is an important part of a person’s identity. It can help people express their feelings, connect with others, and have satisfying sex lives.
Although sexual function may be affected by spinal cord injury, there are still many survivors who can enjoy active sex lives. Several studies have shown that about half of men with spinal cord injuries are able to orgasm.
Although many SCI survivors have a positive sex life, the process of adjusting to a new body can take time. Sexual counseling can help individuals with SCI adjust to the changes in their bodies.
During rehabilitation, patients’ sexuality is frequently a focus. Often, they are focused on “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Fortunately, there are treatments to help with erectile dysfunction and other problems.
Zone of partially preserved nerves
A spinal cord injury is a condition where a bone or other object presses against the spinal cord and interrupts the nerves that allow the brain and body to communicate. This type of injury can cause paralysis in the legs or arms, and it may also result in a loss of sensation. Depending on the severity of the injury, recovery can be very difficult. Fortunately, there are several assistive devices available, including wheelchairs, that can help patients to regain some of their independence.
The spinal cord is a dense and fragile bundle of nerves that allows the brain and body to communicate. It is located near the base of the spine and runs down through an open space in the vertebrae. Spinal injuries can occur at several different levels of the spine.