Spinal Shock: What is it?

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Spinal shock is the body’s reaction to some kind of trauma or injury to the spinal cord. This process begins within minutes of the injury, but can take several hours to present a complete scenario. There is typically a decrease in motion and sensation below the level of injury.
Due to the injury, swelling begins to occur. This causes a reduction in blood flow which leads to a drop in the flow of oxygen to the area. Blood vessels can also rupture if the injury is severe enough, which can cause heavy bleeding in the area. The body shows a decreased ability to self-regulate, so the electrical activity in the area decreases causing changes in movement and sensation.

Spinal shock can also impinge on the uninjured part of the spinal cord. The general inflammation disrupts the ability of other sections of the spinal cord to communicate with the brain. Depending on the severity of the injury, there may be loss of sensation, reflexes, and total paralysis of the limbs below the area of ​​injury. Other body functions may also be affected, such as bladder control.

Spinal shock can last from several days to several weeks, depending on the severity of the injury and the appropriateness of treatment. Symptoms may get progressively worse if left untreated. The best chance for recovery comes with treatment within eight hours of the injury. The standard management of inflammation or swelling is the administration of steroids. Steroids can reduce further damage that can cause nerve death by controlling the swelling that cuts off the blood and oxygen supply to the area. However, despite treatment, residual or long-term disability may occur.

In order to properly diagnose spinal shock, x-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans are done to assess the extent of the damage. If a spinal injury is suspected, immediate immobilization followed by these tests can reduce the risks of permanent damage. Unstable spinal injuries usually require surgery to regain stability and avoid further injury.

Nerve tissue that is compressed due to swelling has a high chance of full return of function if diagnosed and treated correctly. If the nerve is transected or cut, the nerve damage will be permanent. Any dysfunction that continues after six months has a higher incidence of becoming permanent.

Full recovery from spinal shock typically employs the use of physical and occupational therapists, as both gross and fine motor skills may require fine-tuning. The therapy is used to stretch and strengthen muscles and to provide the patient with assistive devices such as walkers or braces to improve overall mobility. Strategies are also employed to manage dysreflexia or changes in normal reflexes and neurogenic or nerve pain often associated with spinal shock in order to recover normal function as quickly as possible.

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