ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs)

What is spinal cord injuries (scis)?

23 January 2026

This refers to damage sustained in the spinal cord due to trauma or underlying conditions, which affect the functional capacity, movement, strength, and sensation in body areas below the site of the damage. This affects the patient not only physically but also mentally and emotionally, with social repercussions in their daily life.

Also known as myelopathies, spinal cord injuries originate from affections in the spinal cord, discs, and vertebrae of the spinal column, which can be a consequence of:

  • Trauma from accidents, falls, violence, or contact sports.
  • Arthritis.
  • Osteoporosis.
  • Cancer.
  • Inflammatory conditions.
  • Degenerative diseases affecting the spine.

Spinal cord injuries are much more frequent in males between 15 and 30 years old, although there is also significant incidence in the elderly.

While it is still not possible to repair many spinal cord damages, medical and technological advances indicate that this may progressively be achieved.

For now, existing therapies and rehabilitation programs provide the tools to develop the patient’s abilities to be as independent as possible and have a better quality of life.

Signs and symptoms Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs)

The level of affection from spinal cord injuries depends on the site of the damage and how serious it is, but the most frequent symptoms involve:

  • Immobility in various areas.
  • Insensitivity to touch and temperature.
  • Bowel and/or bladder incontinence.
  • Muscle spasms.
  • Sexual alterations such as impotence, insensitivity, and sterility.
  • Nerve damage causing pain and burning.
  • Breathing problems.
  • Coughing fits and difficulty clearing phlegm.
  • Tingling and numbness in the hands and feet.
  • Imbalance.
  • Problems walking.
  • Headache.
  • Sore back.

Among the posible complications that can result from spinal cord injuries are: bowel and bladder incontinence, pressure ulcers, circulatory problems, high blood pressure (hypertension), edema, thrombosis, respiratory difficulties, osteoporosis, and depression.

Diagnosis and treatment Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs)

When the injured person arrives at the Emergency area, the medical team must perform a series of questions to identify the nature of the accident or event that caused the injury. To determine if it is a spinal cord injury, they will perform various studies, including X-rays, Computed Tomography (CT scan), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Once the diagnosis has been established, a complete neurological examination should be carried out days later to determine the extent and severity of the damage.

Spinal cord injuries are not usually reversible, so the treatment focuses on symptom control, improving quality of life, and avoiding serious complications. It usually includes drug therapy, use of orthopedic devices, surgery, and rehabilitation.

At the Neurological Center, a group of highly trained and certified doctors across various neurological specialties are prepared to assist you with the quality and warmth that characterizes us.

Specialities of the Nervous System

  • Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Spine Surgery
  • Pediatric Neurosurgery
  • Neurophysiology
  • Neuro-rehabilitation
  • Neuropathology
  • Interventional Neuroradiology
  • Neuropsychology
  • Neuro-oncology
  • Neuro-otology
  • Epilepsy
  • Neuro-ophthalmology
  • Neuroimaging

Related centers and departments Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs)

Neurology Center
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Sources:

  • cun.es
  • topdoctors.es
  • middlesexhealth.org
  • mayocilinic.org
  • medlineplus.gov
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medigraphic.com
  • CarmonaEA, GonzálezVR. Revisión narrativa sobre estrategias de control intestinal en pacientes lesionados medulares. Rev Mex Med Fis Rehab. 2019;31(3-4):51-59.
  • Bernal GMJ, Cabrera VNJ, Peña ML, et al. Transferencia del deltoides posterior al tríceps braquial en pacientes con lesiones medulares cervicales. Revista Cubana de Ortopedia y Traumatología. 2016;30(2):153-159.
  • Brenes RY. Lesiones medulares agudas. Rev Med Cos Cen. 2016;73(620):645-652.
  • Robles OJ, González RJL, Saborit OY, et al. Epidemiología de la lesión medular traumática. Rev Cub de Med Fis y Rehab. 2012;4(2):.

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