Timely action and appropriate stabilization are crucial for spinal cord injury treatment: Doctors, ET HealthWorld

New Delhi: Prompt action and adequate stabilisation are crucial for the treatment of spinal cord injuries, neurosurgeons said, calling for more efforts from medical professionals and policy makers to ensure timely and appropriate treatment to patients. They also pointed out that among the injuries sustained by people in road accidents, spinal cord injuries are one of the leading causes of disability, which doctors said is largely due to inadequate and delayed medical treatment. “Timely stabilisation lays the foundation for further treatment and improves the prospects of rehabilitation and functional recovery,” said Dr Manish Vaish, senior director of neurosurgery at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali.

He said it was critical for healthcare professionals and caregivers to understand the urgency and importance of interventions to minimize long-term disability and optimize patient outcomes.

“Immediate action and proper stabilization are critical in the treatment of spinal cord injuries,” Vaish said, adding that “techniques such as immobilization, traction and surgical intervention are essential to prevent deterioration (of the condition) and promote recovery.”

Dr Yashpal Singh Bundela, senior consultant at Sushrut Brain and Spine in Delhi, said time is of the essence in spinal cord injury cases.

“Every minute lost means potential neurological damage. Our immediate focus is to stabilize the spine and minimize pressure on the spinal cord. Sometimes surgery is needed to remove compressive elements. Once that initial window of opportunity is over, we switch to rehabilitation. Physical and occupational therapists become our partners in helping patients regain strength, retrain muscles and maximize their long-term function,” he said.

Spinal cord injuries are a complex condition, but with immediate medical attention and a targeted rehabilitation program, significant recovery is possible, Bundela said.

Dr Vaish said spinal cord injuries were a growing problem in India. Awareness campaigns could help people recognise the symptoms and seek immediate medical attention, he said.

It is critical to equip first responders with the knowledge and tools to treat such injuries on the ground, he said, adding that it is essential to expand access to specialized spinal cord care across the country.

Through cooperation between doctors, politicians and citizens, the outlook for people with spinal cord injuries could be improved, the doctors said.