Emergency actions psychologists, nurses, therapists and social workers
with expertise in spinal cord injury.
Urgent medical attention is critical to minimize the
effects of any head or neck trauma. Therefore, Medications. Intravenous (IV) treatment for a spinal cord injury often begins at the methylprednisolone (A-Methapred, Solu- scene of the accident. Medrol) has been used as a treatment option for an acute spinal cord injury. But recent research has shown that the potential side Emergency personnel typically immobilize the spine effects, such as blood clots and pneumonia, as gently and quickly as possible using a rigid neck from using this medication outweigh the collar and a rigid carrying board, which they'll use to benefits. Because of this, methylprednisolone transport you to the hospital. is no longer recommended for routine use after a spinal cord injury. Early (acute) stages of treatment Immobilization. You may need traction to stabilize your spine, to bring the spine into In the emergency room, doctors focus on: proper alignment or both. In some cases, a rigid neck collar may work. A special bed also may help immobilize your body. Maintaining your ability to breathe Surgery. Often surgery is necessary to remove Preventing shock fragments of bones, foreign objects, herniated disks or fractured vertebrae that appear to be Immobilizing your neck to prevent further spinal compressing the spine. Surgery may also be cord damage needed to stabilize the spine to prevent future pain or deformity. Avoiding possible complications, such as stool or urine retention, respiratory or cardiovascular Experimental treatments. Scientists are trying difficulty, and formation of deep vein blood to figure out ways to stop cell death, control clots in the extremities inflammation and promote nerve regeneration. For example, doctors may lower the body If you do have a spinal cord injury, you'll usually be temperature significantly — a condition known admitted to the intensive care unit for treatment. You as hypothermia — for 24 to 48 hours to help may even be transferred to a regional spine injury prevent damaging inflammation. Ask your center that has a team of neurosurgeons, orthopedic doctor about the availability of such treatments. surgeons, spinal cord medicine specialists,