Spinal cord infarction is a stroke either within the spinal cord or the arteries that supply it. It is caused by arteriosclerosis or a thickening or closing of the major arteries to the spinal cord. Frequently spinal cord infarction is caused by a specific form of arteriosclerosis called atheromatosis, in which a deposit or accumulation of lipid-containing matter forms within the arteries. Symptoms, which generally appear within minutes or a few hours of the infarction, may include intermittent sharp or burning back pain, aching pain down through the legs, weakness in the legs, paralysis, loss of deep tendon reflexes, loss of pain and temperature sensation, and incontinence.
Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation 636 Morris Turnpike Suite 3A Short Hills, NJ 07078 informations@christopherreeve.org http://www.christopherreeve.org Tel: 973-379-2690 800-225-0292 Fax: 973-912-9433 |
National Spinal Cord Injury Association 75-20 Astoria Blvd Suite 120 East Elmhurst, NY 11370-1177 info@spinalcord.org http://www.spinalcord.org Tel: 800-962-9629 Fax: 866-387-2196 |
Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) 801 18th Street, NW Washington, DC 20006-3517 info@pva.org http://www.pva.org Tel: 202-USA-1300 (872-1300) 800-555-9140 Fax: 202-785-4452 |
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Last updated September 27, 2011