What is Spinal Cord Injury?
Spinal cord injury (SCI) results from damage to the spinal cord causing temporary or permanent changes in function below the injury level. India sees approximately 15,000–20,000 new SCI cases annually, primarily from road traffic accidents and falls. At Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi, Dr Simranjeet Singh provides expert SCI management.
Classification
By Level
- Cervical (C1–C8): Tetraplegia (quadriplegia) – all four limbs affected
- Thoracic (T1–T12): Paraplegia – legs affected
- Lumbar/Sacral: Lower limb weakness/paralysis, bladder and bowel issues
By Completeness (ASIA Scale)
- Complete (AIS A): No motor or sensory function below injury level
- Incomplete (AIS B–D): Some preserved function below injury level
Emergency Management
- ABCDE assessment and spinal immobilisation
- High-dose methylprednisolone (controversial)
- Early MRI for injury characterisation
- Monitoring in ICU
Surgical Management
- Spinal decompression – removing bone fragments/disc pressing on cord
- Spinal stabilisation – fixation to prevent further injury and allow early mobilisation
- Early surgery (within 24 hours) improves neurological outcomes
Rehabilitation
Multidisciplinary rehabilitation including physiotherapy (breathing exercises, muscle strengthening), occupational therapy, bowel and bladder management, pressure sore prevention, psychological support.
Complications to Prevent
- Respiratory complications (cervical injuries)
- Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism
- Pressure ulcers
- Autonomic dysreflexia
- Urinary tract infections
Expert spinal cord injury management at Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi: 011-41670042
