How do you treat spinal stroke?

Hello Hayden,

I am so sorry to hear about your father.

For the benefit of our readers, spinal stroke or spinal cord infarction is a stroke either within the spinal cord or the arteries that supply it.

Spinal cord infarction is caused by a specific form of arteriosclerosis called atheromatosis, in which a deposit or accumulation of lipid-containing matter forms within the arteries.

Symptoms, which generally appear within minutes or a few hours of the infarction, may include intermittent sharp or burning back pain, aching pain down through the legs, weakness in the legs, paralysis, loss of deep tendon reflexes, loss of pain and temperature sensation, and incontinence.

Treatment is symptomatic. There is no one best treatment option. Physical and occupational therapy can help patients cope with weakness or paralysis. A catheter may be necessary for individuals with incontinence.

Prognosis depends upon how severely the body is compromised.

Regards,
Maryann