Spinal Cord Injury

The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body.

Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is due to a traumatic injury that can either result in a bruise (also called a contusion), a partial tear, or a complete tear (called a transection) in the spinal cord. SCI is more common in men and young adults.  There are about 12,000 new cases of SCI each year. In the U.S., there are over 250,000 people living with a spinal cord injury.

SCI results in a decreased or absence of movement, sensation, and body organ function below the level of the injury. The most common sites of injury are the cervical and thoracic areas. SCI is a common cause of permanent disability and death in children and adults.

Clinical studies have shown that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) improves motor function in patients with spinal cord injury.