Spinal/Neck injury
Alternative names:
neck/spinal injury
Definition:
Injury to the neck or spinal cord.
Considerations:
When someone has a spinal injury, additional movement may
cause further damage to the spine. The purpose of first aid
is to prevent further harm to the victim until you can obtain
medical help.
If in doubt about whether a person has received a spinal injury,
assume he or she has.
A spinal cord injury
is very serious because it can mean the loss
of sensation and function in the parts of the body below
the site of the injury.
Causes:
- Awkward positioning of the body
- Bullet or stab wound
- Direct trauma to the face, neck, head or back
- Diving accident
- Electric shock
- Exertion
- Twisting of the trunk
Update Date: 10/08/99
Updated by: adam.com editorial
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