Question 1

can you please tell me functions of the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Contains the nerves: Which go to your muscles of your body
and also to the sensory receptors in your body.  You have a complex nervous system which has sympathetic, parasympathetic and yoru sensation and motor control.  These neurons and axons are in the spinal cord and control your body.  It transmits the electrical impulses which control yoru bodies functions and muscles.

Question 2

even after the spinal cord is severed in the upper cervical region, the spinal cord performs many highly regulated functions. is that correct?

Accepted Answer

: Not correct, especially if a C-zero level is encountered.  Below this level no respiratory function occurs, and full paralysis and numbness with urinary and bowel dysfunction occurs.  However, no reason to assume cranial nerve function does not continue.

Question 3

the function of the spinal cord and how does it work with the brain?

Accepted Answer

Fiberoptic cables: Like phone cords, the brain connects down through the brainstem by tracts like fiberoptic cables connecting the motor/sensory areas of the brain to the areas of the spinal cord sending out nerves to your body.  Long and very complex but wonderfully made!

Question 4

does c spinal cord injury affects brain function?

Accepted Answer

No: Spinal cord injury affects portions of the body b elow the site of the injury.  The brain is not affected, but  these injuries are frequently very disturbing and sometimes dangerous.  The person suffering from this can be depressed and needing of assistance in many other ways.

Question 5

after the instant when a spinal cord has been severed in the upper cervical region,spinal cord performs many highly regulated functions.e.g:the neuronal circuits in the spinal cord that can cause: walking movements(as after cut head of hen) correct?

Accepted Answer

: Not clear if you are asking about chickens or humans .  Please rephrase.

Question 6

if spinal cord has been severed in upper cervical region, spinal cord performs highly regulated functions.e.g: neuronal circuits in spinal cord that can cause:walking movements-reflexes that pull parts of the body away from painful objects correct?

Accepted Answer

: This has been already answered, but in brief, once spinal cord is damaged, function below is destroyed.  Spasticity can be present, but that is helpful only if strength is preserved.  Reflex reactions to painful stimuli can occur, but this is part and parcel of the spasticity reactions.  Complete severing of the cord, results in complete paralysis below level of damage.

Question 7

what location would you puncture spinal cord to draw cerebrospinal fluid if brain has an infection?

Accepted Answer

Not the spinal cord: Lumbar puncture is done below the spinal cord itself, usually between 3rd and 4th or 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae. Spinal cord ends at about first lumbar vertebra but the membranes containing cerebrospinal fluid extend below that. See this site for more info.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lumbar-puncture/my00982.

Question 8

what is a space occupying lesion on the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Serious: This s an abnormal tissue growth in the spinal cord. It may be caused by trauma (swelling), multiple sclerosis, a tumor or infection. This require an urgent evaluation by a neurologist.  We often get an MRI to further work up the lesion.

Question 9

i have a pain on my spinal cord especially when it's  cold...but the worse part even if it's not that cold but i hv to make sure my back is covered ...m 31 years old?

Accepted Answer

Need to examine : It is not feasible to provide a meaningful opinion without examining you. You should see your doctor for evaluation. It may help to exercise regularly. Have a healthy diet, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and street drugs, exercise at least 150 minutes per week. Wish you good health.

Question 10

what to do if i think i have a contusion on my spinal cord. what is a contusion?

Accepted Answer

A bruise: You'd have to take a very hard shot to your spine to bruise the cord. You'd likely remember it.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Spinal cord location and function

A member asked:

Can you please tell me functions of the spinal cord?

A member asked:

Even after the spinal cord is severed in the upper cervical region, the spinal cord performs many highly regulated functions. is that correct?

A member asked:

The function of the spinal cord and how does it work with the brain?

A member asked:

Does c spinal cord injury affects brain function?

A member asked:

After the instant when a spinal cord has been severed in the upper cervical region,spinal cord performs many highly regulated functions.e.g:the neuronal circuits in the spinal cord that can cause: walking movements(as after cut head of hen) correct?

A member asked:

If spinal cord has been severed in upper cervical region, spinal cord performs highly regulated functions.e.g: neuronal circuits in spinal cord that can cause:walking movements-reflexes that pull parts of the body away from painful objects correct?

A member asked:

What location would you puncture spinal cord to draw cerebrospinal fluid if brain has an infection?

A member asked:

What is a space occupying lesion on the spinal cord?

A member asked:

I have a pain on my spinal cord especially when it's cold...but the worse part even if it's not that cold but i hv to make sure my back is covered ...m 31 years old?

A member asked:

What to do if i think i have a contusion on my spinal cord. what is a contusion?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?