Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Spinal Cord Injury
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Treatment & Monitoring
What are the treatments for the injury?
Treatment of an SCI is tailored to the injury, because each case is unique. Steroids, such as methylprednisolone, can reduce swelling. If the spine is fractured, spinal fusion, or joining the bones of the spine with surgery, may be needed. This can stabilize the injury and shorten the recovery period. Rehabilitation often takes a long time. The goal is to achieve the most function and independence possible. Some experimental medicines are being used to reduce scarring at the injury site. They may improve regrowth of nerves.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Steroids can cause high blood glucose levels and increased risk for infection. Surgery may cause bleeding, infection, or allergic reaction to anesthesia.
What happens after treatment for the injury?
Without proper treatment, many complications can occur.
With treatment, people can relearn ways to control their body and how to do activities. It is possible to go back to normal activities, such as school, work, marriage, and having children. Usually, the person will use a wheelchair. There are special tools that help with tasks such as eating and getting dressed. Doctors who work in rehabilitation, urology, orthopedics, neurology, and other specialties may be needed to provide complete treatment. The person may benefit from physical therapy and occupational therapy.
The financial and emotional costs to society of spinal trauma are great. Medical costs during the first year after leaving the hospital can be more than $50,000 per person. These costs decrease only slightly after the first year. Because of complications, only 85% of people with cord injury are alive 10 years after being injured. This compares to 98% of uninjured people of similar age and gender.
Only 35% of paraplegics and 25% of quadriplegics are employed 8 years after the injury. Marriage rates are lower. Divorce rates are higher. People with SCIs can feel isolated. They may need psychological counseling. Many laws have been created to give more help to people with disabilities. These laws will continue to make it easier for them to work and be productive members of society.