Spinal Cord Injuries

Traumatic injury to the central nervous system is a cause of major disability and death in children. Although brain trauma occurs more frequently, spinal cord injury (SCI) has significant impact because it often leaves survivors with lifelong needs for supportive interventions and rehabilitative therapy. Pediatric SCI (PSCI) is different from that seen in adults in its causes, presentation, management, and outcome. Approximately 3.4% of all pediatric trauma patients suffer some form of either spinal column or spinal cord injury. PSCI is primarily caused by trauma, either blunt or penetrating, accidental or nonaccidental. Child abuse such as shaken baby syndrome can also be a source of PSCI. Treatment depends on type of injuries.