September 5th is World Spinal Cord Injury Day
International spinal cord society has decided to observe world spinal cord injury day on 5th September every year. This is to create awareness amongst the general public. This awareness will facilitate an inclusive life for persons with disability and ensure greater chance of success of prevention programs.
It started in 2016
The following were the themes from then
- Yes we can in 2017
- Stop spinal cord injury in 2018
- Living life to the fullest in 2019
- Covid 19 and SCI: staying wee in 2020
Spinal cord injuries result from damage to the vertebrae, ligaments and discs of the spinal column and to the spinal cord itself. The injury may be complete if there is total loss of functions below the spinal cord injury and incomplete when some function is preserved.
What are the symptoms?
- Loss of movement
- Inability to feel heat, cold and touch
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- Changes in sexual function
- Difficulty in breathing and coughing.
What to do when one has a spinal cord injury?
- Don’t move the injured patient. It may result in permanent paralysis
- Keep the person still
- Hold the head and neck to prevent them from moving till emergency help arrives
What are the causes?
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Fall from heights
- Gun shot and knife wounds.
- Sports and recreation injuries
- Alcoholism
- Cancer and infections of the spinal cord
How to prevent spinal cord injuries?
- Drive safely
- Check water depth before diving
- Prevent falls
- Take precautions in sports
- Don’t drink and drive
- Always use seat belt while driving
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