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 If it is determined that the patient has a spinal cord injury (SCI), the patient will likely be admitted to the ICU (intensive care unit). An intensive care unit is for critically ill patients who require a high level of care and monitoring. If one is nearby, the patient may be transferred to a regional spine injury center, which is staffed by personnel skilled in treating SCI, such as neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, nurses, therapists, and social workers.
Early Treatment
Medications-Steroid therapy (Methylprednisolone) is one treatment option for treating SCI. Corticosteroids can decrease inflammation and injury to nerve cells; some patients treated with steroid therapy recover some function if treated early (within 8 hours) after injury.
Immobilization-Traction may be used to stabilize the spine and bring it into alignment while it is healing. Halo traction is a form of traction commonly used to treat SCI. In this type of traction, a round “halo” is attached to the skull by titanium screws. The halo is attached to a special vest, which keeps the head and neck perfectly straight. The halo may be used with a pulley system to apply gentle traction when the patient is in bed. The screws holding the halo in place may have to be periodically adjusted. The patient does not feel pain when wearing the halo. Halos may be used until surgery is done or may be used in place of surgery and may need to be worn for several months.
Surgery
Emergency surgery may be necessary to remove bone fragments, foreign objects, blood clots, or other lesions that may be placing pressure on the spinal cord. Surgery may also be needed to stabilize the spine, preventing future deformity and pain. Research is focusing on determining what period of time is most effective in performing surgery for SCI-immediately after injury, or after a period of stabilization.
Ongoing Care
After the spinal cord injury itself is stabilized, the focus of care turns to preventing complications that may occur as a result of prolonged bed rest, such as pressure ulcers (bed sores), muscle contractions, progressive muscle weakness, pneumonia, and blood clots. This is accomplished by the efforts of doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, physiotherapists, and others. The average length of stay in the hospital following an SCI is 15 days, but length of time will vary depending on the patient’s age, general physical condition, and development of complications, as well as on the type of SCI suffered by the patient.
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