Question 1

how would a incomplete spinal cord injury at t5 affect the circulatory system?

Accepted Answer

Hard to say...: Hi.
My sympathy for you or whoever has the injury..any spinal injury can cause major changes, and regulation of circulation is one of them. 
Saying that, effects on respiration and upper cord function should be minimal. Regulation of circulation to lower gut, bladder, and lower limbs may be changed. this includes control of sexual response.  Good luck.

Question 2

how could a spinal cord injury affect the musculoskeletal system and the integumentary system?

Accepted Answer

Weakness, numbness: The paralysis from spinal cord injury causes varying degrees of weakness and muscle loss (atrophy), depending on the severity of the injury. There may also be spasticity or tightness of the muscles, putting a person at risk of contractures (joint rigidity).  Numbness from spinal cord injury places a person at risk of developing pressure sores-- pressure relief is paramount for prevention.

Question 3

does a spinal cord injury always mean paralysis?

Accepted Answer

No: Fortunately, not all  spinal cord injuries cause paralysis. Milder versions of the injury may simply contuse the cord and may result in little to no neurologic deficits. Other more severe  injuries may severley bruise or sever the cord causing a spectrum of neurologic deficits based on location and type of injury.  Full recovery is less likely with severe injuries.

Question 4

if i have a spinal cord injury, what wheelchair transfer techniques are available?

Accepted Answer

See answer below: It all depends where you need to transfer to. Check out fasteddy07 on youtube where i demonstrate how to perform a variety of wheelchair transfers, on a shower bench, on a bed, in a car, from the floor etc... Of course, depending on the injury level, some transfers may not be possible independently.

Question 5

if i bent my neck sideways and it didn't pop am i going to die from a spinal cord injury?

Accepted Answer

No: I am not sure what you mean but neck "pops" are not necessary.  I have never heard of a person having a spinal cord injury by just moving their head as is usually expected (pops or not).

Question 6

can i stay active even after i've sustained a spinal cord injury>?

Accepted Answer

It's possible: It will depend on thre extent and location of unjust.

Question 7

what should i do to reduce muscle tone i have a spinal cord injury?

Accepted Answer

Multiple modalities: Depends on level and complete verse incomplete. Passive stretching/range to start, pt, fluoidotherapy. Oral Baclofen or tizanidine can be beneficial. Can consider intrathecal Baclofen as well. Any ho? You can consider Botox injections to targeted muscles as well. Surgical release is a last ditch option. Make sure any pain or irritation is controlled as well as these can worsen spasticity.

Question 8

how is a spinal cord injury typically diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Multiple ways: A thorough history, physical examination, and review of the appropriate imaging studies can lead to a diagnosis of spinal cord injury.  Sometimes further nerve testing and spinal fluid sampling may be necessary.

Question 9

can there be visual symptoms of a spinal cord injury?

Accepted Answer

Well not really: Of course you can have injury only to your cord
but usually since there is a very heavily muscled and ligamentous and bony structures surrounding your cord - they can be injured as well.  Ask yoru physician if you have an associated injuries.

Question 10

what are the major symptoms following a spinal cord injury?

Accepted Answer

See answer below: There is a broad variety of different spinal cord injuries depending on the severity and location of the injury and the list of symptoms is even broader and depends on the specific injury type. Resulting symptoms can be loss of motor control and sensation in two or four limbs, neurogenic bladder and bowel and the list goes on...

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Doctor answers about:

How does a spinal cord injury effect the circulatory system

A member asked:

How would a incomplete spinal cord injury at t5 affect the circulatory system?

A member asked:

How could a spinal cord injury affect the musculoskeletal system and the integumentary system?

A member asked:

Does a spinal cord injury always mean paralysis?

A member asked:

If i have a spinal cord injury, what wheelchair transfer techniques are available?

A member asked:

If i bent my neck sideways and it didn't pop am i going to die from a spinal cord injury?

A member asked:

Can i stay active even after i've sustained a spinal cord injury>?

A member asked:

What should i do to reduce muscle tone i have a spinal cord injury?

A member asked:

How is a spinal cord injury typically diagnosed?

A member asked:

Can there be visual symptoms of a spinal cord injury?

A member asked:

What are the major symptoms following a spinal cord injury?

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