Treatments and Possible Solutions for Spinal Cord Injuriessubmitted on 17 October 2017
The majority of treatments dealing with spinal cord injuries aims to prevent further injury and empower patients to return to a productive, active life. Unfortunately, there is still no way to completely reverse such a severe damage despite an increasing number of studies searching for new, more effective treatments.
In the meantime, people with severe spinal cord injuries can make use of the available treatments and medications. Keep read and learn about possible solutions.
Emergency actions
It's critical to get medical attention as soon as possible in order to diminish the effects of any neck or head trauma. This is why treatment and emergency actions often begin at the accident scene.
When such an accident occurs, emergency medical personnel tend to prevent a sufferer from moving by immobilizing his/her spine as quickly and gently as possible. Medical staff typically use rigid carrying boards and rigid neck collars to safely transport a victim to the hospital.
Early stages of treatment
The first things that doctors are focusing on in the emergency room are:
- Maintaining respiratory function
- Immobilizing the neck
- Preventing shock
- Preventing possible complications
Sufferers sometimes get an intensive therapy unit if needed and can even be forwarded to a spine injury center. It may involve a variety of physicians, including spinal cord specialists, orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, psychologists, therapists, and nurses.
Possible solutions
The most common solutions for spinal cord injury include:
- Surgery - The surgical procedure is often required to remove foreign objects, bone fragments, fractured vertebrae, or herniated disks compressed in the spine. Surgery is also necessary to stabilize the spine and thus prevent future deformity or pain.
- Immobilization - It often involves traction to bring back the backbone into proper alignment. For that purpose, doctors may use rigid neck collars and special beds that can immobilize the body.
- Medications - One of the most common treatment options for spinal cord injuries is methylprednisolone (A-Methapred) injection. The patients receive this “medication” within 8 hours of injury for the best results. Methylprednisolone works by reducing inflammation and cutting down the damage of nerve cells. Although it can trigger a mild improvement in some people, this is not a real medicine for a spinal cord injury. In fact, medications aim to control muscle spasticity and reduce pain rather than healing a damaged spine core.
- Experimental treatments - These treatments are meant to trigger nerve regeneration, stop cell death, and decrease inflammation.
New technologies
There is a wide range of innovative medical devices intended to help injured people become more mobile and more independent. Some of those devices can even slightly restore function. Just to mention some popular new technologies in this field:
- Computer adaptations
- Modern wheelchairs
- Electrical stimulation devices
- Electronic Aids to Daily Living (EADL)
- Robotic gait training
Recovery and prognosis
In most cases, doctors cannot give a straightaway prognosis. The recovery, if at all possible, typically begins a month to half a year after an injury. It may take a few years for small improvements, though.
Spinal cord injuries often occur in traffic accidents. At Zlotolow & Associates P.C., a team of experienced car accident attorneys helps people with a spinal cord injury find the best treatments and medications. Let's discuss the best solutions for the compensation you or your loved one will need in the future!
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