• Loss of normal bowel and bladder control (may include constipation, incontinence,
• bladder spasms)
• Numbness
• Sensory changes
• Spasticity (increased muscle tone)
• Pain
• Weakness, paralysis

Injuries to the cervical or high thoracic spinal cord may also result in blood pressure problems, abnormal sweating, and trouble maintaining normal body temperature.

LUMBAR SACRAL (LOWER BACK) INJURIES

When spinal injuries occur at the lower back level, varying degrees of symptoms can affect one or both legs, as well as the muscles that control your bowels and bladder:

• Loss of normal bowel and bladder control (you may have constipation, leakage, and bladder spasms)
• Numbness
• Pain
• Sensory changes
• Spasticity (increased muscle tone)
• Weakness and paralysis

Spinal cord injury is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.

The health care provider will perform a physical exam, including a neurological exam. This will help identify the exact location of the injury, if it is not already known. Some of the person's reflexes may be abnormal or absent. Once swelling goes down, some reflexes may slowly recover.

The following tests may be ordered:

• A CT scan or MRI of the spine may show the location and extent of the damage and reveal problems such as blood clots (hematomas).
• Myelogram (an x-ray of the spine after injection of dye) may be necessary in rare cases.
• Somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) testing or magnetic stimulation may show if nerve signals can pass through the spinal cord.
• Spine x-rays may show fracture or damage to the bones of the spine.

Images

Cauda equina

Vertebra and spinal nerves

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Review Date: 06/16/2010
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., and Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital.

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