According to the Mayo Clinic, modern spinal cord injury is usually partial, whereas in the past it was often complete. Although nothing can reverse damage to the spinal cord, medical advances have improved the recovery of patients and new technology is working on nerve cell regeneration or functional improvement.
Treatment depends on what phase of injury a person is in, the acute emergency phase or the on-going phase.
Emergency Actions
- maintaining the ability to breathe
- preventing shock, and
- immobilizing your neck to prevent further spinal cord damage
If there is spinal cord injury, in the early stages the doctor will treat the injury or disease that caused the loss of function. Immediate treatment may include:
- medications
- immobilization
- surgery
Hospital Treatment
After the initial injury or disease stabilizes, doctors treat problems that may arise from immobilization. Early care will likely include:
- range-of-motion exercises for paralyzed limbs
- help with your bladder and bowel functions
- applications of skin lotion
- use of soft bed coverings or flotation mattresses, as well as
- frequently changing position
Ongoing Treatment
- rehabilitation
- medication
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