At a glance
What it is
Damage to the spinal cord from trauma, tumour, infection or inflammation. Results in loss of motor and sensory function below the injury level.
Typical signs
Paralysis or weakness below injury; loss of sensation and bladder/bowel control; spasticity; neuropathic pain; sexual dysfunction.
How we treat it
Acute: immobilisation, neuroprotection, high-dose methylprednisolone within 8 hours. Chronic: rehabilitation, bladder management, pain control, and functional restoration.
What spinal cord injury is
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the neural tissue of the spinal cord, resulting in loss of motor and sensory function below the injury level. Traumatic SCI is usually from falls, motor vehicle crashes or gunshot wounds. Non-traumatic causes include myelitis, tumour, or haemorrhage.
What we see in clinic
250–500K
People living with SCI globally
50%
Sustain complete injury (no motor or sensory preservation)
15–20 years
Life expectancy after SCI, with mortality from pulmonary complications
Key facts
How it is treated
Acute management focuses on neuroprotection and stabilisation. Long-term care is multidisciplinary rehabilitation.
Acute management
First 24–48 hours post-injury
- Immobilisation to prevent secondary injury
- High-dose methylprednisolone within 8 hours if initiated
- ICU-level supportive care
Rehabilitation
Weeks to months post-injury
- Physical therapy for mobility and transfers
- Occupational therapy for activities of daily living
- Bowel and bladder retraining
Spasticity management
Months to years post-injury
- Physical therapy and stretching
- Oral agents: baclofen, tizanidine
- Intrathecal baclofen pump for severe spasticity
Pain management
Neuropathic pain is common
- Neuropathic agents: gabapentin, pregabalin
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Interventional pain procedures if medical management fails
Related reading
Motor disorders
Conditions affecting movement control, such as cerebral palsy, spasticity and dystonia, treated with physiotherapy, Botox or functional neurosurgery.
Back pain
Most back pain is mechanical and settles in weeks. The first visit identifies the few cases that need imaging, injections or surgery, without over-treating.
Book a consultation
The secretary schedules first appointments during clinic hours; please have prior imaging, operative notes and a current medication list available at the time of the call.
This page provides general information about spinal cord injury and is not a substitute for individual medical assessment. If your symptoms are severe or worsening, contact a clinician promptly.