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. 2010 Oct;66(4):325-8.
doi: 10.1016/S0377-1237(10)80009-7. Epub 2011 Jul 21.

Spinal Cord Injuries

M Malhotra  1 , H S Bhatoe  2 , S M Sudambrekar  3
Affiliations

Spinal Cord Injuries

M Malhotra et al. Med J Armed Forces India. 2010 Oct.

Abstract

Spinal Cord injury (SCI) is one of the most devastating and demoralizing ailment for both the patient and the medical practitioner. However, with the better understanding of the pathophysiology, better imaging modalities and emphasis on immobilization and rehabilitation has provided a ray of hope to such patients. The initial care aims at immobilization and evacuation by the classical log roll method and focuses on life-saving procedures. Basic imaging should be augmented with an MRI in doubtful cases. Immobilization either external or internal should be followed by early efforts for rehabilitation. The use of steroids during the acute phase has become controversial. The focus of latest studies has shifted to neuroprotective and regenerative agents.

Keywords: Magnetic resonance imaging; Methylprednisolone; Neurological assessment; Spinal cord injury.

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