Patient Education: Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries

1. Understanding the Injury

A spinal cord injury happens when the spinal cord (the bundle of nerves inside the spine) is damaged. The spinal cord carries messages between the brain and the body. Damage can affect movement, feeling, or body functions.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Complete injury: No movement or feeling below the injury.
Incomplete injury: Some movement or feeling remains below the injury.

What It Is

The spinal cord runs from the brain down the back. If injured, it can affect arms, legs, or body functions depending on where the damage happens.

Location and Severity

Neck (cervical spine): Can affect arms, legs, breathing, and more.
Upper back (thoracic spine): May affect chest and legs.
Lower back (lumbar/sacral spine): Usually affects legs, bladder, or bowel.
Severity can be mild, moderate, or severe depending on damage.

Causes/Risk Factors

Falls
Car accidents
Sports injuries
Violence (gunshot, stabbing)
Medical conditions (tumors, infections)

2. Symptoms to Watch For

Loss of movement or weakness
Loss of feeling (numbness, tingling)
Trouble breathing or coughing
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Severe pain or pressure in the head, neck, or back

Signs of Infection

Redness, swelling, or pus at wound sites
Fever or chills
Warmth spreading around the area

Delayed Complications

Pressure sores (from not moving)
Muscle spasms
Blood clots in legs
Trouble with bladder or bowel
Breathing problems

3. Post-Hospitalization Information

Follow-up appointments are very important.
You may need physical therapy, occupational therapy, or home health care.
Medications may be prescribed for pain, muscle spasms, or blood clots.

4. Home Management & Recovery

Pain Management

Take medicines as ordered.
Use heat, cold, or relaxation methods if allowed.

Mobility

Use wheelchairs, walkers, or braces as directed.
Follow therapy instructions.

Wound Care

Always follow your doctor’s wound care orders.
Keep skin clean and dry.
Call home health or your doctor if the skin breaks down or looks infected.

Rest & Rehabilitation

Rest helps the body heal.
Therapy exercises help you regain strength and independence.

5. Prevention of Complications

Infection prevention: Wash hands often, keep wounds clean.
Skin protection: Change position often, check skin daily.
Fall prevention: Remove loose rugs, add grab bars, keep good lighting.
Monitoring for delayed symptoms: Report new numbness, weakness, or pain.

6. When to Contact Home Health vs ER

Call Home Health: For wound checks, help with mobility, questions about medicines.
Go to the ER: If you suddenly cannot move, lose bladder/bowel control, have trouble breathing, develop a high fever, or severe chest pain.

📘 Homework / Patient Assessment: True or False

Circle True or False for each statement.

True or False: The spinal cord carries messages between the brain and the body.
True or False: A complete spinal cord injury means some feeling is left below the injury.
True or False: Falls and car accidents are common causes of spinal cord injuries.
True or False: A spinal cord injury in the neck may affect breathing.
True or False: Numbness and weakness are possible symptoms of spinal cord injury.
True or False: Infections can show signs like redness, pus, or fever.
True or False: All spinal cord injuries heal completely in a few weeks.
True or False: Pressure sores can happen if you stay in one position too long.
True or False: Home health can help with wound care and mobility training.
True or False: It is safe to ignore new weakness or numbness after injury.
True or False: Medications may be needed for pain, spasms, or blood clots.
True or False: Rest and therapy are both important for recovery.
True or False: Removing trip hazards can help prevent falls at home.
True or False: A spinal cord injury in the lower back usually affects the arms.
True or False: Good handwashing helps prevent infection.
True or False: Patients should always follow their doctor’s wound care orders.
True or False: Go to the ER if you suddenly cannot move or lose bladder control.
True or False: Checking your skin daily can help prevent pressure sores.
True or False: Using a wheelchair or walker may be needed for mobility.
True or False: Therapy exercises should only be done if recommended by the doctor.

✅ Answer Key with Explanations

True – The spinal cord connects brain and body.
False – Complete injury = no movement/feeling below injury.
True – Falls and accidents are leading causes.
True – Neck injuries can affect breathing muscles.
True – Weakness and numbness are common.
True – These are classic infection signs.
False – Many spinal cord injuries do not fully heal.
True – Staying in one position can damage skin.
True – Home health supports wound and mobility care.
False – New weakness/numbness must be reported right away.
True – Medications help control pain, spasms, or prevent clots.
True – Both are needed for recovery.
True – Removing hazards lowers fall risk.
False – Lower back injuries usually affect legs/bladder, not arms.
True – Clean hands prevent infection spread.
True – Following wound care orders is very important.
True – These are emergencies, call 911 or go to ER.
True – Daily checks prevent skin breakdown.
True – Devices may be needed for safe mobility.
True – Only do exercises your doctor/therapist approves.