Acute Spinal Cord Disorders

Introduction: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is defined as an injury resulting from an insult inflicted on the spinal cord that compromises, either completely or incompletely, its major functions (motor, sensory, autonomic, and reflex). Objectives: In this chapter we aim to discuss the most important etiologies causing acute spinal cord dysfunction, its epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and treatment nuances that are essential from a neurosurgeon’s point of view. Literature Review: Acute spinal injury can be divided into traumatic and nontraumatic. Traumatic SCI is generally caused by motor vehicle accidents, assault, falls, and sports injuries. Nontraumatic SCIs have multiple etiologies, with the most frequent being degenerative spinal diseases compression, followed by extrinsic neoplastic involvement, vascular injuries, and finally inflammatory or infectious diseases. Conclusion: The correct diagnosis and management of acute spinal injury is of major importance to minimize permanent disability and its consequences.