Neck injury

Symptoms of a spinal cord injury may include:

• Head that is in an unusual position
• Numbness or tingling that spreads down an arm or leg
• Weakness
• Difficulty walking
• Paralysis (loss of movement) of arms or legs
• No bladder or bowel control
• Shock (pale, clammy skin; bluish lips and fingernails; acting dazed or semiconscious)
• Lack of alertness (unconsciousness)
• Stiff neck, headache, or neck pain

Images

Vertebral column

Spinal anatomy

Spinal cord injury

Vertebra, thoracic (mid back)

Vertebra, lumbar (low back)

Central nervous system

Bones of the spine

Vertebra, cervical (neck)

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Spinal injury Overview

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Spinal injury Treatment

Review Date: 05/02/2011
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)