An incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) is a challenging condition where the spinal cord is damaged, yet some communication between the brain and body remains. Unlike complete SCI, where all sensory and motor function below the injury is lost, incomplete SCI offers hope for retaining some function. This blog explores the complexities of incomplete SCI, its types, symptoms, as well as rehabilitation programs offered by our centres in Bangalore and Hyderabad.
What is an Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury?
An incomplete spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord is partially damaged. This results in varying degrees of sensory and motor function loss below the injury site, but there is some preservation of neurological function. The severity and location of the injury determine the specific symptoms and prognosis for each individual.
Types of Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
Incomplete SCI can be classified into several types based on the location and severity of the injury:
- Anterior Cord Syndrome: Typically results from damage to the front portion of the spinal cord, affecting motor function and temperature sensation while preserving light touch and proprioception.
- Posterior Cord Syndrome: Rare, characterised by loss of proprioception and vibration sensation; preserved motor function and pain and temperature sensation.
- Central Cord Syndrome: Seen more commonly in older adults with cervical spine injuries, causing greater motor impairment in the upper limbs than in the lower limbs due to damage to nerve fibres that carry signals to the arms.
- Brown-Sequard Syndrome: Caused by damage to one side of the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis and loss of proprioception on one side, as well as loss of pain and temperature sensation on the opposite side.
- Conus Medullaris Syndrome: Affects the lower spinal cord and lumbar nerve roots, results in varying degrees of lower limb weakness, bowel and bladder dysfunction, and sexual dysfunction.
- Cauda Equina Lesion: Results in damage to the nerves at the end of the spinal cord, leading to bowel and bladder dysfunction, loss of sensation in the buttocks and inner thighs (saddle anesthesia), and varying degrees of lower limb weakness.
Symptoms of Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
Symptoms vary widely depending on the type and location of the injury. Common symptoms include:
- Weakness or paralysis in the affected limbs
- Loss of sensation, altered sensation (e.g., tingling, numbness), or heightened sensitivity
- Incontinence or difficulty controlling bowel and bladder functions
- Erectile dysfunction or loss of sexual function
- Neuropathic pain or hypersensitivity at or below the level of injury
- Involuntary muscle spasms or stiffness (spasticity)
- Difficulty breathing, particularly if the injury is high in the cervical spine
Plexus Rehabilitation for SCI
Tailored to suit the medical requirements of the patient and the extent of their injury, our rehabilitation for SCI covers a gamut of therapies and training, all of which offer the patient more than just hope for a better tomorrow. The results are here to stay!
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells found in bone marrow, fat tissue, and umbilical cord blood. They have the potential to differentiate into various cell types, including bone, cartilage, and muscle cells. Their unique properties make them ideal candidates for regenerative therapies.
Mesenchymal stem cell therapy for incomplete SCI offers several benefits:
- Inflammation Reduction: Incomplete SCIs typically involve significant inflammation, which can exacerbate damage. MSCs have anti-inflammatory properties that can mitigate this response, promoting a more favorable environment for healing.
- Tissue Repair and Regeneration: MSCs have the ability to differentiate into neural cells, potentially aiding in the repair of damaged spinal cord tissue. Additionally, they can support the growth of new blood vessels, enhancing nutrient and oxygen delivery to injured areas.
- Neuroprotection: MSCs release growth factors and cytokines that protect neurons from further damage. This helps prevent the progression of SCI, and preserve the remaining neural function.
- Improved Functional Recovery: Research indicates that MSC therapy can lead to improved motor and sensory function in individuals with incomplete SCI.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy for incomplete SCI is essential for the management of pain, as well as helps improve flexibility, strength, and endurance. At Plexus, we offer tailored exercises and interventions aimed to strengthen muscles, improve coordination, and enhance balance. Our physical therapists work on preventing complications like pressure sores and muscle atrophy. By promoting neural plasticity and functional recovery, physical therapy plays a vital role in improving independence and quality of life for those with incomplete SCI.
Depending on the extent of your injuries, your physical therapist will draw up an exercise plan that can involve –
- Gait-training
- Balance training
- Mobility training
- Trunk control and strength training
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy for incomplete SCI focuses on enhancing patients’ ability to perform daily activities and improve their independence. Our therapists work on fine motor skills, adaptive techniques, and the use of assistive devices to facilitate tasks such as dressing, grooming, and cooking. They also address cognitive and emotional challenges, helping patients develop coping strategies and improve overall well-being. This science-backed approach includes –
- Activities for daily living training
- Balance and coordination training
- Handwriting training
- Splinting and assistive devices
- Cognitive rehabilitation
- Hand function training
An incomplete spinal cord injury allows the spinal cord to transmit some messages to and from the brain. Individuals with such injuries retain varying degrees of sensation, function, and muscle control below the injury site, depending on the severity and location of the damage.
If you wish to know more about our rehabilitation programs for spinal cord injuries, reach out to Team Plexus today.
WhatsApp +91 89048 42087
Call +91 78159 64668 (Hyderabad) | +91 82299 99888 (Bangalore)
FAQs
Can you recover from an incomplete spinal cord injury?
Recovery from incomplete spinal cord injury depends on injury severity and individual factors. Some regain significant function through rehabilitation and treatment, potentially walking again.
What is the pain after an incomplete spinal cord injury?
Pain after incomplete SCI varies from individual to individual. It can include neuropathic pain, muscle spasms, or hypersensitivity below the injury level, impacting quality of life.
What is the life expectancy of a person with an incomplete spinal cord injury?
Life expectancy after incomplete SCI varies by injury severity and complications. Typically, individuals can live a near-normal lifespan with proper management of complications arising from the injury.
What is the most common type of incomplete spinal cord injury?
Central cord syndrome is the most common type of incomplete SCI, affecting motor function more severely in the upper body than the lower body.
What is the most serious type of spinal cord injury?
Brown-Sequard syndrome is among the most serious types, causing paralysis and sensory loss on one side of the body due to damage on one side of the spinal cord.
How to differentiate between complete and incomplete spinal cord injury?
Complete SCI involves total loss of sensory and motor function below the injury level, while incomplete SCI retains some degree of function, varying in severity and affected functions. Diagnosis involves thorough neurological assessment and imaging studies.
