Spinal cord trauma

The earliest reference to spinal cord injury was recorded in 3000 B.C. Egyp tian and Latin physicians detected that patients with vertebral trauma had paralysis of the arms and legs as well as urinary incontinence, suggesting a relationship between vertebral injuries and spinal cord damage and functi onal loss. Treatment at that time consisted of grease, fresh meat, and honey applied t o the neck of the patient. Treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI) has become more sophisticated but we are still unable to reverse the effects of the i nitial injury. The major focus in the acute treatment of spinal cord trauma has remained prevention of secondary injury and complications thereafter.( 6) There has been renewed interest in research and treatment in patients wi th SCI over the past two decades due to advances in research and technology . Great strides have been made toward improving emergency care and initial medical and surgical treatment as well as rehabilitation of the person who sustains a spinal cord injury.