Cervical spine injury

Abstract

The results of a spinal cord injury may be irreversible, or many months of rehabilitation may be required to restore a meaningful, functional lifestyle to the patient. Complications of the injury are numerous, and the financial burden of treatment can be overwhelming. The incidence of debilitating injury has decreased, however, since the advent of intensive education on emergency treatment and preventive methods. With continuing research, aggressive medical care, and innovative surgical methods, the prognosis for these patients, once dismal and devastating, may be greatly improved.