What is spinal cord infarction?
Spinal cord infarction is a stroke within the spinal cord or the arteries that supply it. The spinal cord is the bundle of nerves and nerve fibers that sends and receives signals from the brain.
Infarction means death of tissue that happens when blood supply to an area is blocked. In this case, something disrupts blood flow to the spinal cord. Spinal cord infarction can happen anywhere along the spinal cord. It’s rare but can be very serious.
Most often, people with spinal cord infarction have sudden weakness in both legs. Depending on the location of the blockage along the spine, there may also be sudden weakness or loss of feeling in the arms. In some cases, symptoms may affect only one side of the body.
Other symptoms, which generally appear within minutes or a few hours, may include:
- Sharp or burning back pain that comes and goes
- Aching pain down through the legs
- Paralysis, including loss of reflexes
- Loss of pain and the ability to feel temperature (hot and cold)
- Incontinence (loss of bladder or bowel control)
- Sexual problems or dysfunction
- Changes in blood pressure
If the infarction happens in the upper (cervical) spine, it can lead to breathing difficulties or respiratory failure.
Related conditions to spinal strokes include anterior spinal artery syndrome and posterior spinal artery syndrome. Anterior spinal artery (ASA) syndrome causes weakness or paralysis and loss of pain and temperature sensation below the injury site. Posterior spinal artery (PSA) syndrome causes loss of certain sensations, while the person’s muscle strength remains. Overall, symptoms vary depending on the location and extent of the spinal stroke.
Who is more likely to have spinal cord infarction?
A blockage, injury, or (less commonly) a blood vessel spasm can cause spinal cord infarction. Atherosclerosis, a condition in which arteries harden and narrow due to a buildup of fatty deposits, is a common underlying condition for people with spinal stroke.
Spinal cord infarction can also happen alongside other serious conditions, including:
How is spinal cord infarction diagnosed and treated?
Diagnosing spinal cord infarction
Because it’s a type of stroke and can be very serious, people with suspected spinal cord infarction should see a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor will perform a neurological exam and take the person’s family and medical history. Imaging tests, such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography) scans, can help assess the spinal cord.
If the imaging tests and other exams don’t clearly show a spinal cord infarction, other tests may be necessary to rule out other conditions (called a differential diagnosis). This process may include blood tests, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and tests to assess heart function—such as echocardiograms.
Learn more about assessing and treating stroke.
Treating spinal cord infarction
Spinal cord infarction is a rare condition without standard treatments. It’s important for doctors to understand the cause of the spinal cord infarction to recommend the most effective care. Managing a spinal cord infarction usually includes:
- Addressing the specific cause of the stroke when identified
- Providing supportive care for symptoms
- Rehabilitation to improve recovery
Physical and occupational therapy may help people recover from weakness or paralysis. Some people with urinary incontinence may need a catheter.
Recovery after a spinal cord infarction varies widely. Some people may experience significant improvement over time, while others may have lasting problems. How well a person recovers depends on how quickly they get treatment, the severity of damage, and the specific location of the injury along the spinal cord. Paralysis may last for many weeks or, in some cases, become permanent. Ongoing medical care and support are important for the recovery process.
Learn more about stroke recovery.
How can I or my loved one help improve care for people with spinal cord infarction?
Consider participating in a clinical trial so clinicians and scientists can learn more about spinal cord infarction and related disorders. Clinical research with human participants helps researchers learn more about a disorder and perhaps find better ways to safely detect, treat, or prevent disease.
All types of participants are needed—those who are healthy or may have an illness or disease—of all different ages, sexes, races, and ethnicities to ensure that study results apply to as many people as possible, and that treatments will be safe and effective for everyone using them.
For information about participating in clinical research, visit NIH Clinical Research Trials and You. Learn about clinical trials currently looking for people with spinal cord infarction at Clinicaltrials.gov.
Where can I find more information about spinal cord infarction?
Information may be available from the following resources: