What Is a Spinal Cord Stroke?
A spinal cord stroke is a sudden, often severe physical reaction to obstructed blood flow in the spine. If the main spinal artery or one of the smaller blood vessels in the spine is blocked, blood cannot reach the delicate nerve structures in the cord. The result is usually immediate radiating pain and weakness, followed shortly by lack of muscle control in the limbs and possibly paralysis. Many cases of spinal cord stroke are reversible with prompt medical care and ongoing physical therapy. If a major blockage occurs, however, a person may have lifelong difficulties despite all treatment efforts. Many different conditions can precede a spinal cord stroke. People who have atherosclerosis, a buildup of cholesterol plaques in their arteries, are at the highest risk of suffering strokes. The spinal artery or the aorta that feeds it can become dangerously narrow as plaques amass along the interior walls. Total blockages can occur when cholesterol deposits break free and become lodged in sm
