Acute spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury results in transient or permanent disruption to the central nervous system with far reaching multi-system consequences, alongside having profound and devastating effects on the individual, their family and wider society. This review provides an overview on the epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical presentation of spinal cord injury. The clinical syndromes of spinal cord injury are also discussed in detail. The medical and surgical management strategies of spinal cord injury in the acute phase is considered, alongside highlighting the importance of early referral to dedicated spinal rehabilitation services. The natural history and prognosis of traumatic spinal cord injury are also discussed.