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Spinal Cord InjurySpinal Cord Injury TreatmentTreatment for spinal cord injury is usually most effective in the moments immediately following the injury. Steps can be taken to minimize the extent of the damage through the following treatments:Methylprednisolone. This drug was approved by the FDA as an emergency treatment for spinal cord injury in 1990. The most recent studies of the drug show that it is most effective when taken within 3 hours of the injury. Researchers believe the effect of the drug is twofold. First, the drug is believed to suppress immune system responses throughout the body. These responses cause inflammation at the site of the injury, often worsening the damage. Second, the drug is believed to block the formation of free radicals. These highly charged particles can disrupt the membranes in cells that were not initially injured. Surgical decompression of the spinal cord. In most spinal cord injuries, the spinal cord is compressed, not cut. This compression leads to pressure on the spinal cord, which can cut off the flow of blood and oxygen o the injured area and cause permanent damage. Surgery can be performed to remove any bone fragments exerting pressure on the spinal cord. Surgical stabilization. Surgery can also be performed to stabilize the spine, thereby preventing any further twisting or compression of the spinal cord. This may be accomplished through the insertion of a metal rod into the spine. |
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