Does recovery occur after spinal cord injury?
Many doctors tell patients and families that recovery does not occur after spinal cord injury. This is not true. Recovery is the rule, not the exception after spinal cord injury.
- Segmental recovery. Most patients recover 1-2 segments below the injury site, even after so-called “complete” spinal cord injuries. For example, a person with a C4/5 injury may have deltoid function on admission and then recover biceps (C5), wrist extensors (C6), and perhaps even triceps (C7) after several months, and the associated dermatomes.
- Recovery due to methylprednisolone. The second National Acute Spinal Cord Injury Study (NASCIS 2) showed that patients with “complete” spinal cord injuries and who did not receive the high-dose steroid methylprednisolone recovered on average 8% of motor function they had lost. If they received methylprednisolone within 8 hours after injury, they recovered on average 21% of what they had lost. In contrast, people with “incomplete” spinal cord injury recovered on average 59% of motor function and 75% if treated with high dose methylprednisolone.
- Recovery of postural reflexes. Most people with cervical or upper thoracic spinal cord injury are initially unable to control their trunk muscles. However, most will recover better trunk control over months or even years after injury.
- Walking quads and paras. Most people with “incomplete” spinal cord injuries, i.e. ASIA C, will recover standing or walking. Walking recovery after “complete” spinal cord injuries, i.e. ASIA A, are rare but can occur in 5% of the cases. In the 1980’s, less than 40% of spinal cord injuries admitted to hospital were “incomplete”. However, in the 1990’s, over 60% of spinal cord injuries were “incomplete” and thus the incidence of “walking quads” or “walking paras” may be higher than most people think.
For Friends and Family of the Newly Injured Topic List
Here is what I say to families
Some frequently asked questions
How is acute spinal cord injury treated?
What is spasticity and neuropathic pain?
What happens to the bladder, bowel, and sexual function?
How does spinal cord injury affect the skin?
What is autonomic dysreflexia?
Does recovery occur after spinal cord injury?