Spinal shock is a normal reaction of the body to an injury or trauma in the spinal cord. Reactions can start just a few minutes from the time of injury although it can take few hours for it to manifest physically. Lessen in sensation and movement happens below the level of injury.
Swelling usually occurs when there is injury. These results to reduction of blood flow thus decrease in oxygen flow too in the affected area. If the injury is severe, it may cause heavy bleeding in the area. With this the body manifests decreased ability to control itself so that electrical activity in that area lessens resulting to changes in the sensation and movement.
Spinal shock can also slow down the undamaged part of the spinal cord. The injury can stop the ability of other parts of the spinal cord to send messages to the brain. It really depends on the severity of the injury, the following may occur – total or partial paralysis of the part that is below the injury, loss of reflexes and loss of sensation. Other functions of the body like bladder control may also be affected.
Spinal shock can last for several days to several weeks depending on how fast the treatment is and of course the severity of injury. Symptoms may go worst if left untreated for a time. The best chance of fast recovery is to have treatment within eight hours from the injury. Generally to reduce swelling doctors administers steroids. It can lessen further damaged by controlling the swelling which is the cause of cutting off blood flow thus cutting off oxygen as well in the affected area. But then do not expect full recovery because despite treatment still long standing disability can still happen.
Diagnosing Spinal shock requires imaging device like CT scans, x-rays and MRI scans which can assess how far the damage is. If spinal injury is identified then immediate immobilization can lessen the danger of lasting damage. If injury results to unstable spinal then surgery might be necessary to regain spinal stability and prevent more damage.
Spinal shock full recovery may involve the use of occupational and physical therapist since both fine and gross motor skills may need tuning. Therapy is a part of a treatment plan to strengthen and stretch muscles. Patients are also provided the use of assistive device like braces or walker to help improve general mobility. The usual side effects of spinal shock which includes abnormal reflexes and nerve pain are also managed to quickly regain normal function.