What are the Most Common Spinal Cord Injury Symptoms?

Depending on location, the symptoms of a spinal cord injury may vary greatly. Some of the most common spinal cord injury symptoms include paralysis, difficulty breathing, and muscle spasms. In addition, those who have been diagnosed with a spinal cord injury will most likely experience a loss of sensation, along with a decreased ability to engage in sexual activity. Certain medications, activities, or procedures can sometimes reverse the symptoms associated with a spinal cord injury, though results typically are not guaranteed.

One of the most common spinal cord injury symptoms is paralysis. In most cases, individuals who have suffered a spinal cord injury experience paralysis below the injury point. Typically, injuries to the lower part of the spine result in the diagnosis of paraplegia, or paralysis of the lower body only, while an injury at the neck can results in quadriplegia, or paralysis of the entire body. While paralysis associated with a spinal cord injury is usually permanent, some movement can be restored through physical therapy, surgery, and other forms of intensive medical treatment.

Difficulty breathing is another of the most common spinal cord injury symptoms. In addition to breathing difficulty, those who experience this type of injury may also have addition problems associated with lung function, such as clearing the lungs or coughing. Those who have suffered a spinal cord injury often must rely on a respirator in order to ensure maximal oxygen delivery.

Spinal cord injury symptoms can include muscle spasms. In most cases, these spasms are relatively minor at the onset of the injury, and may increase in intensity as muscle tone decreases. Muscle spasms can be prevented, occasionally, through the use of aggressive forms of physical therapy, prescription medications, and electrical stimulation therapy.

Loss of sensation is another symptom of spinal cord injury. Usually, this loss of sensation occurs in areas targeted by paralysis. Individuals suffering from a loss of sensation will not only be oblivious to touch, but will also not be able to feel hot or cold. This can be quite dangerous, especially for those in areas with extreme climates.

Typically, a spinal cord injury will result in a decreased ability to engage in sexual activity. In addition, sensitivity associated with sexual activity will most likely be significantly diminished. Some feeling may be restored through the use of certain prescription medications, though results are not guaranteed.