TRAUMATISM OF THE CORD. (Blows, etc.)

Category: Diseases of The Nervous System

(Fractures and dislocations,
gunshot and stab wounds, etc.).

Symptoms. They differ according to the place where the cord is injured.
The motion and feeling power may be disturbed. There may be sudden
complete paralysis of the upper and lower extremities depending on how
severely the cord is injured, and how high up the injury is. The bladder
and rectum may not act properly. The contents may be retained or
"run-away." Death follows sooner or later if the injury is extensive. In
some cases the symptoms are slight in the beginning, but increase in a few
days, or they may suddenly increase a few months afterwards. In other
cases, bad symptoms at first may gradually abate which is due to the blood
clot having been absorbed.

Recovery depends upon the extent of the injury and the constitution of the
patient. It is always well to be careful about expressing an opinion about
this injury.

Treatment. Immediate. Surgical treatment is necessary. Absolute rest is a
necessity, and must be had for weeks according to the severity of the
case. It may seem long and become tedious, but the case must have rest for
a long time.

Next: ORGANIC DISEASES OF THE SPINAL CORD. Caisson Disease
Previous: INJURIES OF THE SPINAL CORD. Concussion of the Spine

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TRAUMATISM OF THE CORD. (Blows, etc.)