Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage or injury to the spinal cord results in the permanent damage to the spinal cord. It affects the regular functioning of the spinal cord and there is no replacement for it. Injury to the spinal cord can damage the spinal nerves and the vertebral column but also affects other muscles and vital organs. Paralysis from an injury can be of two types: Tetraplegic and Paraplegic.

Some of the conditions that affect the spinal cord are:

1. Multiple Sclerosis (MS): This is a demyelinating condition that may affect the brain and spine. This disorder in the spine causes weakness, loss of the senses, tingling, and pain.
2. Spinal cord compression: When the spinal cord is exposed to adverse conditions such as physical pressure, weakness, and loss of sense spinal cord compression can occur.
3. Meningitis: Infection or inflammation of the meninges is called meningitis, also called as spinal meningitis. This disease can cause symptoms like headache, stiff neck, fever, and vomiting.
4. Polio: Polio is the most contagious viral infection which affects the spinal cord. It can be usually prevented by using a vaccine. This causes muscle paralysis of the areas that are controlled by affected spinal cord regions.
5. Cancer: Although spinal cord cancer is not a common disease the tumors can develop in any part of the cord. Meningeal carcinomatosis is the spread of cancer cells throughout the meninges and CSF.

Also Read: Difference Between Brain and Spinal Cord

Spinal Cord is an important part of the central nervous system. It is a cylindrical bundle of nerves and support cells present within the vertebral column and is surrounded by the Meninges and Cerebrospinal fluid. It connects the brain to the lower back. The spinal cord is divided into cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral segments. There are 31 pairs of nerves and nerve roots in the spinal cord. The spinal cord carries nerve signals from the brain to the body and vice versa. Injuries or diseases affecting the spinal cord can lead to paralysis, sensory deficits, and impaired organ function.