Spinal Cord Injury Symptoms

    Symptoms May Appear Days or Weeks After Trauma

    In most cases, symptoms of spinal cord damage
     will appear immediately after injury. However,
    symptoms may develop days or even weeks later
    as bleeding, swelling, inflammation and fluid
    accumulation put pressure on the spinal cord.
    When a spinal cord injury is not immediately
    diagnosed, it's crucial to recognize the symptoms
    so you can seek immediate treatment.

    Symptoms of a spinal cord injury may include:

    •        Full or partial paralysis
    •        Numbness or lack of feeling on one side of the body, or in your arms, legs, fingers or toes
    •        Weakness
    •        Tingling sensations
    •        Lack of coordination
    •        Difficulty walking
    •        Loss of bowel or bladder control
    •        Difficulty breathing
    •        Abnormal reflex actions, or lack of reflexes
    •        Abnormal sensations or pain
    •        Lack of sexual function

    The symptoms of spinal cord injury will depend on the location of the injury and its severity. Loss of
    feeling or numbness generally will occur below the location of the injury. You may not experience a
    complete lack of function. If you have a partial spinal cord injury, you will retain some sensation and
    possibly some ability to move below the injured area.

    Diagnosing spinal cord injury

    The location of a spinal cord injury can be indicated by a neurologic examination. An X-ray of the
    spine may show fractured or herniated vertebra. A CT scan or MRI may show the location and extent
    of spinal cord injury.

    For More Information Contact Us Today to Speak With a Member
    For more information about spinal cord injury symptoms to discuss your situation with one of our
    members, contact the U.S. Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Center for a consultation and one of our
    members will be in touch shortly. We have offices in Jacksonville and Orlando, Florida.
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The U.S. Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Center serve families throughout Florida and the United States, including
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