Complete Spinal Cord Injury

 A complete spinal cord injury is characterized by the complete severing of the spinal cord at the precise site of the damage. Individuals who have a complete SCI lose all sensory perception and motor control for all bodily functions associated with nerves located below the location of the damage. The severity of symptoms tends to increase when the lesion occurs higher up on the spinal cord.

For instance, an individual who has a total spinal cord injury (SCI) in the lower lumbar region may have a loss of sensation and motor abilities in their hips and legs, resulting in paraplegia. A cervical spine injury that is classified as complete might result in a total loss of motor function in both the arms and legs, perhaps necessitating mechanical support for respiration.

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

 An incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) allows the survivor to maintain some function and sensation below the injury site, but a full SCI results in a total loss of feeling and function due to the complete severing of the connection between the nervous system and the brain.

Difference Between Complete and Incomplete SCI

There are several resemblances between partial and full spinal cord injuries (SCIs). For instance, both forms of damage exhibit several common causes; both affect the functioning of the body at and below the site of injury, and therapeutic choices for both types of injuries are often comparable.

The primary distinction between partial and full spinal cord injuries (SCIs) is in the extent of functional impairment they cause when they affect the same region of the spine. In general, full spinal cord injuries (SCIs) tend to impose greater restrictions and limitations compared to partial SCIs. In addition, those with partial spinal cord injuries often have a more favourable prognosis and have speedier recovery compared to those with full spinal cord injuries.

Classification of Spinal Cord Injuries

 Anterior Cord Syndrome

 An anterior spinal cord lesion disrupts motor and sensory connections in the frontal area, affecting touch, pain, and temperature perception. A considerable proportion of spinal cord injury victims with anterior cord syndrome may restore motor function.

Central Cord Syndrome

 It results from central cervical spinal cord injuries. It often reduces emotion. Survivors may recover leg mobility, but arm movement is rare. While survivors may regain some mobility in their legs, the return of arm movement is less common.

Conus Medullaris Syndrome

 This disorder disrupts excretory functioning and lower limb reflexes by affecting the sacral cord and lumbar nerve roots. It commonly mimics cauda equina syndrome.

Posterior Chord Syndrome

 There is damage or dysfunction in the posterior chord of the spinal cord caused due to injury. The majority of survivors possess excellent mobility, muscle strength, and alignment. However, they sometimes struggle with coordination.

Conclusion

Recovery from a SCI can be a lengthy and arduous process. While an incomplete SCI is often less difficult and faster to recover from than a full SCI, it is still a lengthy process. There is no “one size fits all” rehabilitation strategy since the symptoms of incomplete spinal cord damage may vary so greatly. It is critical to contact a specialist to determine the best therapeutic alternatives for an incomplete SCI and develop a recovery strategy.

For enquiries and online appointments:

Email – Naveen.st@gmail.com

Call/Whatsapp – +91 7676090119

Or send an enquiry through the website www.NaveenSpine.com/contact