Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Treatment
Cervical spinal cord injuries (SCIs) involve trauma to the neck area, encompassing the seven critical vertebrae (C1-C7). These injuries can significantly affect motor skills, sensory functions, and essential bodily functions
At King’s Spine Centre in Dubai, we specialise in comprehensive treatments for a variety of spine conditions and cervical spinal cord injury treatment in Dubai, including spinal cord compression in the neck, specific injuries such as C5 or C6/C7 spinal injuries, and severe cases like broken C4 vertebrae.
Understanding Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries
The cervical spine comprises of the top seven vertebrae and is crucial for supporting the skull, enabling neck movements, and transmitting neural signals. This part of the spine supports the head’s weight and provides significant flexibility and motion, making it essential yet susceptible to injuries.
Significance of the Cervical Spine
The cervical spine protects the spinal cord while offering structural support and flexibility for neck motions such as rotation, bending, and tilting—vital for daily activities. It also facilitates the flow of neural signals crucial for arm movement and breathing.
Impact of Injuries at Different Levels
Injuries to specific cervical vertebrae vary in impact:
- C5 Injury: Often results in spinal cord compression in neck causing partial paralysis of the arms and hands and can impair breathing.
- C6 Injury: Typically affects wrist extension and hand function.
- C7 Injury: Reduces the ability to extend the elbow, affecting hand dexterity.
- C4 and Higher Injuries: Can severely impact breathing and result in complete paralysis below the neck.
Treatment and rehabilitation are tailored to the injury level, focusing on restoring functionality and improving quality of life, from enhancing shoulder and elbow control to improving hand function.
Causes and Symptoms of Cervical SCI
Common causes of these injuries include vehicular accidents, falls, or sports injuries. Symptoms vary based on the injury’s severity and location and commonly include:
- Altered or lost sensation in the arms, hands, or legs
- Impaired breathing if diaphragm muscles are affected
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- Changes in sexual function
- Paralysis or muscle weakness
Diagnostic and Immediate Care Approaches
Using advanced imaging like MRI and CT scans, our team at King’s Spine Centre accurately determines the extent of injuries, such as spinal cord compression or specific vertebral damage. Initial care focuses on stabilising the patient, reducing spinal inflammation, and preventing further spinal cord damage.
Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Treatment in Dubai
Our treatment approach at King’s Spine Centre is customised for each patient, combining surgical and conservative methods:
- Surgical Interventions:
- Decompression Surgery: Removes pressure from the spinal cord, particularly in cases of spinal cord compression in the neck or a broken C4 vertebrae.
- Stabilisation Surgery: Involves the use of hardware like rods and screws to stabilise the spine, crucial for injuries at C5, C6, or C7 levels.
- Fusion Surgery: The surgery fuses two or more vertebrae to eliminate painful motion or to stabilise the spine post-injury.
- Conservative Treatments:
- Physical Therapy: It focuses on restoring function, improving mobility, and strengthening muscles around the injured site.
- Occupational Therapy: Helps patients adapt to their daily living activities with the use of adaptive equipment and techniques.
- Medication Management: Involves the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, or muscle relaxants to manage pain and discomfort.
- Supportive Care:
- We offer counselling to help patients and their families cope with spinal cord injury challenges.
Living with a Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
Adapting to life after a cervical SCI involves making substantial adjustments. At King’s Spine Centre, we ensure that patients have access to top-tier resources and support systems to help them maintain independence and achieve a high quality of life post-injury.
Take the Next Step Towards Recovery
At King’s Spine Centre in Dubai, we are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care for patients with cervical spinal cord injuries. Our specialised approach combines advanced surgical techniques, conservative treatments, and innovative therapies to ensure that each patient achieves the best possible recovery and quality of life.
