Management is largely non-surgical and involves finding solutions to help the individual cope with daily living. Share Tweet Share Share. Spinal Cord Injury Levels Anatomy of the human Spine Injury to any part of the spinal cord can cause major problems with loss of mobility and sensation.
Symptoms will often include: Complete loss of sensation below the area of damage. Complete paralysis below the level of the neck with limited neck or head movement. Having difficulty breathing without the help of a ventilator. Being unable to speak properly or not at all. An inability to control continence. Muscle atrophy because of lack of movement According to statistics, the most common cause of injury to this area of the spine is diving.
C1 and C2 Spinal Cord Injury Management While the resulting damage from a C1 or C2 spinal injury is severe and highly challenging there are protocols that can help manage the situation. Related Posts. When together, atlas C1 and axis C2 allow for rotation and swiveling of the head since the C1 vertebrae is attached directly into the skull and pivots from its C2 axis.
The cervical spine is located at the very top of the spinal column. Besides the atlas C1 and axis C2 cervical vertebrae , there are five additional vertebral levels within this region for a total of seven which are classified as C1-C7 from the top down, forming the human neck. There is an additional cervical-level injury classification site known as a C8 injury which relates to damage to the spinal cord root that exits the spinal column between the C7 and T1 vertebrae. The cervical spinal cord is the uppermost section of the nerves that are inside of the neck vertebrae.
This region of the spinal cord, which is referred to by vertebral levels as C1-C7, is also the most sensitive in the sense that injuries at this level are the most life-threatening. The vertebrae in this region, atlas C1 and axis C2 , support your skull, allow you to turn and move your head, and protect your spinal cord. To put it simply, higher the injury on the spinal cord, the more damage and loss of function the individual will experience. Since the cervical spinal cord is the highest part of the spinal column, SCIs in this section of the spinal column tend to have the gravest effects.
Because the cervical spine is closer to the brain, and therefore affects a larger amount of the human body, spinal cord injuries that affect the atlas C1 and axis C2 sections of the spinal cord frequently result in death.
For those who survive, these injuries often involve the loss of function to the neck and everything below it — which may result in full paralysis. When someone experiences complete or partial paralysis from the neck down — their trunk and all four limbs — it is commonly referred to as tetraplegia or quadriplegia.
An injury to the cervical vertebrae C1 and a C2 spinal cord injury are both considered highly rare injuries to sustain. More common cervical spinal cord injuries affect the C4 and C5 levels of the spinal column.
Although injuries can occur at this level, they are not very common. Medical professionals see more injuries to the C4 and C5 area. The most frequent cause of a C1 fracture is diving, followed by vehicular accidents, and then falls that impact the head. Atlas C1 and axis C2 injuries are the most severe because damage to the spinal cord at any level has potential to remove communication to the rest of the body below that point. Due to the high level and placing of these vertebrae at the top of the neck, having a C2 or C1 vertebrae out of place or suffering sustained damage is most often fatal or leaves the individual fully paralyzed.
Symptoms following an injury to the cervical vertebrae C1 and C2 may include:. Immediate treatment is crucial in the case of a cervical vertebrae C1 or C2 injury, and the head must be securely stabilized to prevent any further damage. It is likely that the person may have suffered a concussion, and so may be unable to accurately report pain.
Injecting these cells into the injured spinal cord may improve overall function and aid in the recovery of the spinal cord. Although this research is still in its infancy, human patient studies have reported improved walking and sensory perception.
Spinal cord injuries are traumatic for patients and their families. They cause disruptive changes to every aspect of your life and there is a lot of new information to navigate and understand. Our experts have collected everything in one place to help you learn more about your injury, locate doctors and treatment centers, find financial support, and get assistance navigating your next move. Get Legal Advice. Author: Spinalcord.
C2 Spinal Vertebra Defined As C2 spinal vertebra is the second of the seven cervical vertebrae and follows the C1 vertebra. C1 and C2 Anatomy The C1 and C2 vertebrae are part of the seven vertebrae that make up the cervical column that supports the neck and head.
Functions of C1 and C2 The role of the cervical vertebrae is to support the neck and head, as well as protect the spinal cord from injury. Symptoms following a cervical vertebrae injury to the atlas C1 and axis C2 may include: Complete paralysis of arms and legs Muscle atrophy Limited head and neck movement Compromised continence control Trouble breathing without apparatus and assistance Ability to speak reduced or impaired Surgical and Nonsurgical Treatments for C1 and C2 Injuries Treatment options for vertebrae injury at the C1 and C2 levels will not reverse the damage.
Current treatments for C1 and C2 SCIs include: Surgery to relieve pressure from the spinal cord and fuse the affected segments together to prevent movement movement could lead to further damage to the spinal cord.
Prescription drugs to aid in the recovery of sensory and motor function, as well as to reduce inflammation in the affected area. Physical therapy to strengthen other areas of the body so the patient can learn to use the remaining body function. Get Legal Assistance for Your Injury. See Cervical Osteoarthritis Neck Arthritis. See Occipital Neuralgia. Crowned dens syndrome results from the deposition of calcium on the dens of C2 from the surrounding ligaments, causing pain and reduced mobility of the neck.
Vertebral pain at C1-C2 can range anywhere from a dull ache to a sharp, burning pain in the neck. C1-C2 pain may either last for a short while or become chronic. Symptoms of C2 nerve injuries are usually aggravated while lying down.
There may be increased pain at night, causing disturbed sleep. Severe cases of spinal cord injury at C2 can be fatal because breathing and other critical body functions may be impaired or stop. See Understanding Hand Pain and Numbness.
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