Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are classified as complete or incomplete depending on how much damage has occurred. With complete SCIs, the patient is paralyzed below the level of the vertebra that is fractured. Incomplete SCIs have mixed results depending on what part of the spinal cord has been affected.

Many advancements have been made in the medical treatment of spinal cord injuries. Drugs to reduce and prevent inflammation have made a big difference. Without the added pressure of the fluid build-up from swelling, there is less damage to the spinal cord in the early hours and days following the injury.

Surgery is done right away to decompress the spinal cord and spinal nerves while stabilizing the spine. Her overall prognosis may depend on the level of medical trauma she sustained. Were there chest or abdominal injuries? Was there a head injury? Has she gone into shock? Other problems can occur after surgery such as infection, blood clots, or scar tissue that can affect the final results.

The good news is that prognosis for long-term function is much better with improvements in treatment. Death from SCI has been reduced by 50 percent. Stability is easier to achieve and maintain.