Screening and Diagnosing Spinal Cord Injury

As you might imagine, much of the initial screening and diagnosing of spinal cord injury happens at the hospital emergency room.

ER doctors may be able to rule out spinal cord injury by:

• carefully inspecting an injured person
• testing for sensory function and movement, and
• asking some questions about the accident.

But if the injured person complains of neck pain, isn't fully awake, or has obvious signs of weakness or neurological injury, emergency diagnostic tests may be needed. These tests include:

• X-rays
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Myelography

A few days after injury, the doctor will conduct a neurological exam to determine the severity of the injury and to predict the likely extent of recovery. This may involve more X-rays, MRIs or more advanced imaging techniques.

Doctors generally regard any impairment remaining after 12 to 24 months as likely to be permanent.