Spinal Cord Injury: A Review
Abstract
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) can have a devastating impact on physical functioning, as well as on psychological and emotional health. This review paper provides an overview of the current evidence related to SCI, with a focus on the epidemiology, causes, diagnosis, management, and outcomes of SCI. The paper also discusses the potential for successful rehabilitation and approaches to improving health outcomes. Finally, the paper addresses the implications for health care providers and researchers.
Introduction
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) can have a devastating impact on physical functioning, as well as on psychological and emotional health. SCI can lead to a variety of disabilities, including paralysis, loss of sensation, loss of movement, alterations in the autonomic nervous system, and sexual dysfunction. The effects of SCI can be both physical and psychological, and can be long lasting. It is important to understand the epidemiology, causes, diagnosis, management, and outcomes of SCI in order to develop effective strategies for rehabilitation and to improve health outcomes.
Epidemiology
The prevalence of SCI varies by region, but is estimated to be approximately 1.3 million people worldwide (Chen & Chen, 2019). The incidence of SCI is estimated to be approximately 10 to 80 cases per million population per year (Habib & Bono, 2019). SCI is most common among young adults aged 16-30 years, and the male to female ratio is approximately 3:1 (Chen & Chen, 2019). The most common cause of SCI is motor vehicle accidents (MVAs), which account for approximately 40-50% of cases (Jain et al., 2018). Other causes include falls, sports injuries, violence, and medical conditions such as tumors, infections, and vascular malformations (Jain et al., 2018).
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of SCI is usually made on the basis of clinical symptoms and physical examination findings, as well as imaging studies such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These imaging studies can help to identify the site and extent of the injury, as well as any associated fractures or other injuries (Jain et al., 2018).
Management
The management of SCI typically includes a combination of medical and rehabilitative approaches. Medical management is aimed at reducing the risk of complications and optimizing recovery, and may include medications, nutritional support, and management of pressure ulcers and other secondary complications (Jain et al., 2018). Rehabilitation is aimed at optimizing physical functioning, and may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychological counseling (Jain et al., 2018).
Outcomes
The outcomes of SCI vary depending on the severity of the injury and the extent of recovery. In general, patients with incomplete SCI have better outcomes than those with complete SCI (Jain et al., 2018). Patients with incomplete SCI may experience some degree of motor or sensory recovery, depending on the severity and location of the injury. In addition, rehabilitation can help to optimize physical functioning and improve quality of life (Jain et al., 2018).
Conclusion
SCI can have a devastating impact on physical functioning, as well as on psychological and emotional health. It is important to understand the epidemiology, causes, diagnosis, management, and outcomes of SCI in order to develop effective strategies for rehabilitation and to improve health outcomes. Health care providers and researchers should be aware of the potential benefits of early intervention and rehabilitation in order to optimize outcomes for patients with SCI.
References
Chen, C. H., & Chen, T. C. (2019). Epidemiology of spinal cord injury: A systematic review. Disability and Rehabilitation, 41(9), 1060-1068.
Habib, A., & Bono, C. M. (2019). Spinal cord injury: Epidemiology, etiology and diagnosis. Neurotherapeutics, 16(3), 604-617.
Jain, A., et al. (2018). Spinal cord injury: Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management. American Family Physician, 97(3), 163-170.