Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries and Treatments
Navigating the Challenges of Spinal Cord Injuries
What is the spinal cord injury?
An injury in the back bone causes vertebral damage to the spinal cord. Tetra or Quadriplegia (limbs, trunk, and pelvic organs fail to function) and Paraplegia (the lower part of the body fails to work) are the two major complications of spinal cord injuries.
After assessing the severity of the spinal cord injury, the surgeons may advise the patients to get the surgery done accordingly.
Levels of Spinal Cord Injury
SCIs are defined based on the level of spinal column damage:
Cervical Injuries (C1-C8): Neck affected; the loss or impairment of function in all four limbs is produced.
Thoracic Injuries (T1-T12): Upper back affected; generally, there is paralysis of the legs, also referred to as paraplegia.
Lumbar Injuries (L1-L5): Lower back affected and may result in various degrees of leg weakness.
Sacral Injuries (S1-S5): The injuries are to the pelvis and can affect bowel, bladder, and sexual function.
Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in India
Common Causes
Road Traffic Accidents: Major Cause of SCI, mainly due to high speeds, careless driving, or safety measures.
Falls: Older age groups, a fall from height, or home accidents cause such severe injuries.
Sports Injuries: Traumatic injuries to the spine may result from participation in football, wrestling, and diving.
Violence: These include spinal cord damage caused by a gunshot or stab wound.
Disease: Tumors, infections, or degenerative diseases affecting the spinal cord can also be a cause.
Spinal Cord Injury Symptoms
How to Identify Symptoms
Symptoms of spinal cord injuries vary greatly based on the severity and the location of injury. Common symptoms are:
Loss of Movement: She cannot move limbs or body parts.
Loss of Sensation: The patient may experience numbness or loss of feeling in areas below the injury.
Changes in Reflexes: Abnormal reflexes or spasms
Bladder and Bowel Function Loss: Inability to control the flow of urine and bowel movements.
Pain: Some patients may experience continuous pain in the damaged areas.
Symptoms indicating a Code Red
Early detection of spinal cord injury signs may turn out to be the difference between life and death. If the following symptomatology begins to appear after an accident, urgent medical attention is required:
- Inability to feel or move limbs
- Severe backache
- Cannot breathe effectively
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
Diagnosis of Spinal Cord Injuries
Diagnostic Techniques
Diagnostic techniques for spinal cord injury comprise a variety of clinical examination and imaging techniques:
Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination by a doctor to look for movement and sensation.
Neurological Examination: Testing the reflexes, coordination, and sensory responses to observe how complete the injury is.
Imaging Tests:
X-rays: it helps to exclude the conditions of fracture or dislocation of the spinal cord.
MRI: Detailed images of the spinal cord with the surrounding tissue for damage to soft tissue
CT Scans: Gives a broad view of the spine and is very useful in acute settings.
Management of Spinal Cord Injuries
Emergency Management
Early medical care is crucial in limiting further harm and optimizing recovery. Some interventions can include the following:
Immobilizing the patient to prevent further injuries
Drugs: Administration of corticosteroids to reduce swelling and inflammation around the spinal cord
Surgical intervention
The extent of the injury will determine whether surgery will be required to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or stabilize the spine.
Decompression Surgery
Removing bone fragments, tumors, or other materials squeezing the spinal cord.
Spinal Fusion
Stabilizing the spine through the fusion of two or more vertebrae.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is highly important for recovery. Most often, this is a multidisciplinary process, consisting of:
Physical Therapy: This consists of gaining mobility, strength, and coordination.
Occupational Therapy: This enables regaining independence in everyday activities.
Psychological Support: Counseling and support groups may be necessary to aid patients and their families overcome mental frustration.
Long-Term Management
The majority of the care in the management of spinal cord injury involves a long process of care, which includes:
Follow-ups: On a regular basis, follow-up for medical assessment regarding one's health and function.
Devices: Use of assisting devices such as a wheelchair, brace, or others.
Lifestyle Modifications: Change of living setting and practice for safe and independent living.
Does Health Insurance Cover Spinal Cord injury?
Spinal cord injuries are caused due to various reasons. Several Health Insurance companies, including Star Health provide coverage for Spinal cord injuries. Star Health and Allied Insurance Co Ltd covers spinal cord diseases unless it arises due to an accident, after a waiting period of 24 months and if it is not a Pre-existing disease.
This policy covers medical expenses like pre- and post-hospitalisation charges, diagnostic costs, nursing expenses, ICU charges, ambulance expenses, etc., up to the limits mentioned in the policy documents.
In a few cases, a severe spinal cord injury may lead to partial or complete loss of body’s sensory function or motor function (paralysis).
Some people opt for AYUSH treatments like Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy for treating spinal cord issues in any AYUSH hospital. The medical expenses for AYUSH treatment are covered under this policy.
In a Nutshell
Getting done with immediate surgery without delay in paying medical bills is very crucial. Choosing the right policy from the right Health Insurance Company will provide financial assistance while paying medical bills.
Arogya Sanjeevani Policy, Star Health and Allied Insurance Co Ltd. provides coverage for spinal diseases unless arising from accident. Refer to the policy details on Star Health website for more details.
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