What type of spinal cord injury occurs at the moment of impact?

The type of spinal cord injury that occurs at the moment of impact is referred to as primary spinal cord injury (SCI). This injury happens immediately at the time of the traumatic event, such as a car accident, fall, or sports injury, and is caused by mechanical forces that damage the spinal cord.

In primary SCI, the injury can result from direct trauma to the spinal cord, which might include contusions (bruising), lacerations, or transections (complete severing). This type of injury is significant because it determines the immediate clinical presentation and neurological status of the patient following the impact.

In contrast, secondary spinal cord injury arises from processes that occur after the initial trauma, such as inflammation, edema, and ischemia, which can further damage the spinal cord tissue. Although secondary injuries can exacerbate the effects of primary injuries, they do not occur at the moment of impact but rather in the hours or days following the event. Complete and traumatic SCIs describe assessments of the injury's completeness and nature rather than the timing of when the injury occurs. Thus, understanding the distinction between primary and secondary injuries is crucial in responding effectively to spinal cord trauma.