Spinal strokes, or spinal cord infarctions, are rare but dangerous events that occur when the blood supply to the spinal cord is blocked or cut off. This can be due to a blood clot (ischemic spinal stroke) or a bleed (hemorrhagic spinal stroke), resulting in a lack of oxygen and nutrients to the spinal cord. Spinal strokes can lead to severe back pain, limb weakness, loss of nerve sensation, and in some cases, permanent paralysis or death. While they account for only about 0.3% to 1% of all strokes, prompt medical attention and diagnosis are crucial to improve the chances of recovery and reduce the risk of life-threatening complications.
Characteristics | Values |
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What is it? | A spinal stroke, or spinal cord stroke, occurs when the blood supply to a section of the spinal cord is cut off. |
What causes it? | The majority of spinal strokes are caused by a blockage in the blood vessels that supply blood to the spinal cord, such as a blood clot. Spinal strokes can also be caused by bleeds, known as hemorrhagic strokes. |
What are the symptoms? | Symptoms include sudden and severe neck or back pain, muscle weakness in the legs, problems controlling the bowel and bladder (incontinence), and the inability to feel heat or cold. |
How common is it? | Spinal strokes are rare, accounting for 0.3%-1% of all strokes. |
What to do if you think you're having a spinal stroke? | Seek medical help right away. Call 911 or go to the nearest hospital as soon as possible. |
How is it treated? | Treatment depends on the underlying cause. In the case of ischemic spinal strokes, blood-thinning drugs may be used to clear blood clots and reduce the risk of new clots forming. Surgery may also be required to remove blood clots. |
What are the long-term effects? | Long-term effects of spinal strokes include physical weakness or paralysis, loss of sensation in the arms or legs, difficulty walking or using hands, difficulty breathing, urinary or bowel incontinence, and mental health issues such as depression. |
What You'll Learn
- Spinal strokes are rare but dangerous, accounting for 0.3-1% of all strokes
- They are caused by a blockage in the spinal cord's blood supply, often due to blood clots or ruptured blood vessels
- Symptoms include severe back pain, limb weakness, and loss of nerve sensation
- Paralysis and death are possible outcomes if not treated quickly
- Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause, medication, and physical therapy
Spinal strokes are rare but dangerous, accounting for 0.3-1% of all strokes
Spinal strokes are rare, accounting for just 0.3-1% of all strokes. However, they can be extremely dangerous and sometimes life-threatening. A spinal stroke, or spinal cord stroke, occurs when the blood supply to a section of the spinal cord is cut off or blocked, resulting in a lack of oxygen and nutrients to the spinal cord. This can lead to severe damage or death of spinal tissues and cells.
The majority of spinal strokes are caused by a blockage in the blood vessels that supply blood to the spinal cord, often due to a blood clot or plaque buildup in the arteries. These are known as ischemic spinal strokes. In some cases, spinal strokes can also be caused by bleeding from ruptured blood vessels, known as hemorrhagic spinal strokes.
The symptoms of a spinal stroke can include sudden and severe neck or back pain, muscle weakness in the legs or hands, problems with bowel and bladder control (incontinence), and difficulty breathing. These symptoms can vary depending on the location of the stroke in the spine and the extent of the damage.
It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know is experiencing signs of a spinal stroke. The time between the onset of symptoms and receiving treatment is a critical factor in determining the amount of damage caused by the stroke. Diagnosis of a spinal stroke can be challenging, as initial symptoms may indicate other conditions. However, doctors will typically perform a physical exam and may use imaging tests like an MRI to confirm the diagnosis.
While spinal strokes are rare, they can have serious and life-altering consequences. It is important to be aware of the risk factors and symptoms associated with spinal strokes to ensure prompt medical attention and potentially reduce the impact of this dangerous condition.
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They are caused by a blockage in the spinal cord's blood supply, often due to blood clots or ruptured blood vessels
Spinal strokes, also known as spinal cord strokes, are rare but dangerous. They are caused by a blockage in the spinal cord's blood supply, often due to blood clots or ruptured blood vessels. This blockage disrupts the vital flow of oxygen and nutrients to the spinal cord, leading to tissue damage and potential organ damage.
The spinal cord is part of the central nervous system (CNS), which also includes the brain. It relies on a steady blood supply to function properly and send nerve impulses to the rest of the body. These nerve impulses are like signals that help control essential body movements, such as moving your arms and legs, and ensuring your organs, like your intestines, function correctly.
When a blood clot or ruptured blood vessel blocks the blood flow to the spinal cord, it can no longer receive the oxygen and nutrients it needs. This interruption can damage or kill spinal tissues and cells. The majority of spinal strokes are caused by blockages, often in the form of blood clots, in the blood vessels supplying the spinal cord. These are known as ischemic spinal strokes.
In some cases, spinal strokes can be caused by bleeds, known as hemorrhagic spinal strokes. This can occur when one of the blood vessels supplying the spinal cord ruptures and starts bleeding. High blood pressure or an aneurysm that bursts are common causes of this type of spinal stroke.
The symptoms of a spinal stroke usually appear suddenly and can include severe neck or back pain, muscle weakness in the legs, problems with bowel and bladder control, and unusual sensations in the lower half of the body. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, as spinal strokes can lead to life-altering health problems or even death if not treated quickly.
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Symptoms include severe back pain, limb weakness, and loss of nerve sensation
Spinal strokes are rare, accounting for only about 0.3% to 1% of all strokes. However, they can be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening. A spinal stroke occurs when the blood supply to the spinal cord is blocked or disrupted, resulting in severe back pain, limb weakness, and loss of nerve sensation.
During a spinal stroke, the blood supply to a section of the spinal cord is cut off, and the affected part of the spinal cord is deprived of oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to tissue damage and disrupt nerve impulses, which are crucial for controlling body functions such as movement and organ function.
One of the most prominent symptoms of a spinal stroke is severe back pain, which can be sudden and radiating. This is often accompanied by muscle weakness or paralysis in the legs, as well as unusual sensations and loss of nerve sensation. In some cases, individuals may experience numbness in the arms and chest, as well as difficulty controlling bowel and bladder functions, leading to incontinence.
The severity and location of the spinal stroke will determine the specific symptoms and their intensity. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know is experiencing signs of a spinal stroke, as prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for reducing the potential damage and improving the chances of recovery.
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Paralysis and death are possible outcomes if not treated quickly
Spinal strokes are rare, accounting for just 0.3% to 1% of all strokes. However, they can lead to paralysis and even death if not treated quickly.
A spinal stroke occurs when the blood supply to a section of the spinal cord is cut off, resulting in a lack of oxygen and nutrients to the spinal cord. This can cause severe back pain, limb weakness, and loss of nerve sensation. In some cases, it can lead to paralysis.
The first symptoms of a spinal stroke typically appear suddenly and may include neck and back pain, weakness or numbness in the legs, and problems with bowel and bladder control (incontinence).
If left untreated, the complications of a spinal stroke can be life-threatening. Paralysis may persist for many weeks or even become permanent due to cell death. Approximately 20% to 25% of patients will die as a result of complications, such as deep vein thrombosis, which can lead to pulmonary embolisms.
It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know is showing signs of a spinal stroke. The time that passes before receiving treatment is a major factor in the amount of damage a stroke will do. While full recovery from a spinal stroke is possible, it can take months or even years.
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Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause, medication, and physical therapy
Spinal strokes are rare, but they can be life-threatening and lead to permanent paralysis. They occur when the blood supply to the spinal cord is blocked or disrupted, resulting in a lack of oxygen and nutrients to the spinal cord. This can cause severe back pain, limb weakness, and loss of nerve sensation. Treatment for a spinal stroke involves addressing the underlying cause, medication, and physical therapy.
The underlying cause of a spinal stroke is often a blockage in the blood supply to the spinal cord, which can be due to a blood clot or a bleed. In cases of ischemic spinal stroke (caused by a blood clot), clot-dissolving medications such as antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs (e.g. aspirin, warfarin, or tPA) are administered to thin the blood and reduce the risk of blood clots. For hemorrhagic spinal strokes (caused by a burst artery), emergency surgery may be necessary to stop the bleeding.
Medication is also used to manage a person's symptoms and risk factors for another stroke. For example, drugs may be prescribed to control high blood pressure or high cholesterol, which are risk factors for spinal strokes. Additionally, medication may be given to help with stroke symptoms such as muscle stiffness, bladder or gut issues, and sexual dysfunction.
If a person experiences paralysis or muscle weakness after a spinal stroke, physical therapy can help improve their range of motion and strength. Occupational therapy can also help individuals regain functional independence and adapt to their new abilities.
It is important to note that recovery from a spinal stroke can take a long time, and not everyone will make a full recovery. However, with prompt treatment and rehabilitation, many people can recover and see significant improvements in their symptoms over time.
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Frequently asked questions
A spinal stroke, or spinal cord stroke, occurs when the blood supply to a section of the spinal cord is cut off, meaning the spinal cord can't get oxygen and nutrients. This can cause tissue damage and prevent nerve impulses from being sent to the rest of the body.
Symptoms of a spinal stroke include sudden and severe neck or back pain, muscle weakness in the legs, problems with bladder and bowel control, and an inability to feel heat or cold.
If you or someone you know is showing signs of a stroke, call 911 immediately. The time that passes before getting care is a major factor in how much damage a stroke will do.