Spinal Cord Injury Specialist in Spartanburg, Duncan, and Greenville, SC
Expert Spinal Orthopedic Care
An acute spinal cord injury (SCI) can be life-changing. Whether it results from a fall, accident, or traumatic event, the impact can be physically and emotionally overwhelming. That’s why our experienced team is here to provide expert neurological evaluation and supportive care for patients in Spartanburg and throughout the Upstate region of South Carolina.
Our expert board-certified neurologists are committed to helping you or your loved one navigate this journey with clarity, compassion, and the latest advanced treatment options.
What Is an Acute Spinal Cord Injury?
An acute spinal cord injury is a sudden, traumatic injury that damages the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete loss of motor control, sensation, and function below the site of injury. The spinal cord is critical in transmitting messages between the brain and the rest of the body. When it becomes injured, those signals may be disrupted, resulting in significant changes to mobility, bodily function, and overall quality of life.
Common causes of acute spinal cord injuries include motor vehicle accidents, high-impact sports injuries, falls from height, and direct blows or trauma to the back or neck. In rare cases, acute spinal cord injuries may also occur due to infections, tumors, or spinal conditions that compress or damage the spinal cord.
What Are the Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury?
Symptoms of spinal cord injuries can vary widely depending on the location and severity of the trauma. In some cases, symptoms may appear immediately after the injury, while in other cases, signs may develop gradually as swelling or bleeding increases pressure around the spinal cord.
Patients often experience a sudden loss of movement or paralysis in the arms, legs, or torso, depending on the level of the injury. Loss of sensation, including numbness or inability to feel touch, temperature, or pain, is another hallmark sign. In more severe cases, individuals may have difficulty breathing or experience complete loss of bladder or bowel control. Muscle spasms, pain, and changes in reflexes are also common. If you or someone nearby exhibits any of these symptoms following trauma, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
How Is an Acute Spinal Cord Injury Diagnosed?
A prompt and accurate diagnosis is critical to preventing further spinal damage and starting appropriate treatment. The diagnostic process typically begins with a physical and neurological examination to evaluate motor skills, sensation, and reflexes. Your care team may ask about the circumstances of the injury and any changes in physical function.
Advanced imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans are often used to assess the spine for fractures, herniated discs, hematomas, or compression of the spinal cord. These tools provide crucial information to guide medical or surgical intervention and determine the extent of spinal cord involvement.
What Are the Treatment Options for Spinal Cord Injuries?
The first goal in treating an acute spinal cord injury is to stabilize the patient and prevent additional trauma to the spinal cord. This may involve immobilizing the spine using a cervical collar or backboard and managing blood pressure, oxygenation, and respiratory function in the critical care setting.
In some cases, patients receive corticosteroid medications to reduce inflammation and limit damage to nerve tissue. Surgical intervention may be necessary if spinal instability, bleeding, or bone fragments press on the spinal cord. Surgery may also be performed to relieve pressure or stabilize fractured vertebrae.
Once the patient is medically stable, rehabilitation becomes a central part of recovery. A personalized therapy plan—designed to maximize independence and restore as much function as possible—often includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, mobility training, and assistive device evaluation.
What Is the Recovery Outlook for Spinal Cord Injuries?
The prognosis for acute spinal cord injury depends on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the exact location on the spinal cord, and how quickly treatment was initiated. Some patients may experience partial recovery, while others face permanent impairments. Generally, the sooner treatment and rehabilitation begin, the greater the potential for improving function.
Although an acute spinal cord injury can be a life-altering diagnosis, modern medicine has made great strides in improving long-term outcomes. At Carolina Orthopaedic & Neurology Center, our integrated approach to care ensures that each patient receives a customized treatment plan, ongoing support, and access to leading-edge neurological expertise.
Compassionate Spinal Cord Injury Care Close to Home
If you or a loved one has experienced a spinal cord injury, know that you are not alone. At Carolina Orthopaedic & Neurology Center in Spartanburg, our board-certified neurologists and orthopaedic specialists work closely to provide compassionate, evidence-based care. From diagnosis through recovery, we are by your side every step of the way.
Contact our neurology center today to schedule an appointment or learn more about spinal cord injury care.