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Spinal/neck injuryDefinition Your spinal cord contains the nerves that carry messages between your brain and body. The cord passes through your neck and back. A spinal cord injury is very serious because it can cause paralysis below the site of the injury. Considerations When someone has a spinal injury, additional movement may cause further damage to the nerves in the cord and can sometimes mean the difference between life and death. If you think someone could possibly have a spinal injury, DO NOT move the injured person even a little bit, unless it is absolutely necessary (like getting someone out of a burning car). If you are in doubt about whether a person has a spinal injury, assume that he or she DOES have one. Causes
Symptoms
First Aid The main goal is to keep the person immobile and safe until medical help arrives.
IF YOU NEED TO ROLL THE PERSON Do not roll the person over unless the person is vomiting or choking on blood, or you need to check for breathing.
Do Not
Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if Call you local emergency number (such as 911) if there has been any injury that affects the neck or spinal cord. Keep the person absolutely immobile. Unless there is urgent danger, keep the person in the position where he or she was found. Prevention
References Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th Ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2002. Townsend, Jr., CM, ed. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 17th Ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier, 2004:498-502,1952. DeLee JC, Drez, Jr., D, Miller MD, eds. DeLee and Drez’s Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 2nd Ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders;2003:798,837. Illustrations
Page Content: Neck/spinal injury |
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