--- title: "Connect with Peers: A List of Spinal Cord Injury Forums" description: These spinal cord injury forums are safe places for you to connect with like-minded (and like-situational) peers with whom you can directly relate. image: http://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/spinalcord_203_ConnectWithPeers-1.jpg --- [![spinalcord logo desktop](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png) ![spinalcord logo mobile](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord-white_png.png) ](https://www.spinalcord.com/) MENU ** ![spinal cord logo slide out mobile](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png) ** [![Dale Swope](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/dale-img-min.jpg?width=100&name=dale-img-min.jpg) The Purpose Behind Spinalcord.com ** Play Dale Swope's Story ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1kPXDw_CQU) [For Advice Call: (877) 336-7192 ](tel:8773367192) ![Spinalcord Logo](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord-logo-icon-svg.svg) - [About](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) - 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[Monoplegia](https://www.spinalcord.com/monoplegia) - [Diplegia](https://www.spinalcord.com/diplegia) - [Hemiplegia](https://www.spinalcord.com/hemiplegia) - [Paraplegia](https://www.spinalcord.com/paraplegia) - [Quadriplegia | Tetraplegia](https://www.spinalcord.com/quadriplegia-tetraplegia) - Additional Info - [Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer) - [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/causes-of-non-traumatic-traumatic-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/signs-symptoms-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/prognosis-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Mental Health Care After SCI](https://www.spinalcord.com/mental-health-care-after-sci) - [Life After SCI](https://www.spinalcord.com/life-after-a-spinal-cord-injury) - [Resources for Veterans](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/topic/veterans) - [Brain Injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/traumatic-brain-injury-acquired-brain-injury) - Brain Injury Types - [Traumatic Brain Injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/traumatic-brain-injury) - [ Acquired Brain Injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/acquired-brain-injury) - [Anoxic Brain Injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/anoxic-brain-injury) - [Diffuse Axonal Brain Injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/diffuse-axonal-brain-injury) - [ Focal Brain Injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/focal-brain-injury) - [ Subdural Hematoma](https://www.spinalcord.com/subdural-hematoma) - [ Concussion](https://www.spinalcord.com/concussion) - [ Brain Aneurysm](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-aneurysm) - [ Coma](https://www.spinalcord.com/coma) - Lobes of the Brain - [ Brain Lobes Overview](https://www.spinalcord.com/lobes-of-the-brain) - [ Frontal Lobe](https://www.spinalcord.com/frontal-lobe) - [ Parietal Lobe](https://www.spinalcord.com/parietal-lobe) - [ Occipital Lobe](https://www.spinalcord.com/occipital-lobe) - [ Temporal Lobe](https://www.spinalcord.com/temporal-lobe) - [ Limbic Lobe](https://www.spinalcord.com/limbic-lobe) - [ Insular Cortex](https://www.spinalcord.com/insular-cortex) - Additional Info - [Brain Injury Treatment](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-treatment/brain-injury-lab) - [ Brain Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-lawyer) - [ Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/causes-of-traumatic-and-acquired-brain-injuries) - [ Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi-symptoms) - [ Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-prognosis-for-tbi-abi) - [ Resources For Veterans](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/best-resources-for-veterans-with-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Treatment ](https://www.spinalcord.com/treatment-for-brain-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Physician Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-and-spinal-cord-injury-physician-directory) - [Rehabilitation Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-hospitals-rehabilitation-directory) - [Intensive SCI Rehabilitation Centers](https://www.spinalcord.com/intensive-sci-rehabilitation-centers) - [Technology Advancements ](https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-technology-advancements) - [Activity Based Therapy Centers](https://www.spinalcord.com/activity-based-therapy-centers) - [Brain Injury Treatment](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-treatment/brain-injury-lab) - [Prevention](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-prevention) - [Legal Options](https://www.spinalcord.com/legal-considerations-for-common-types-of-brain-and-spinal-cord-injuries) - Legal Assistance - [Brain Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-lawyer) - [Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer) - [Where To Start](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-where-to-start) - [When To Get A Lawyer - eBook](https://www.spinalcord.com/your-guide-to-knowing-when-to-get-a-lawyer) - [Speak With An Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer) - [Protecting an Accident Scene](https://www.spinalcord.com/protecting-an-accident-crime-scene) - Legal Considerations - [Overview](https://www.spinalcord.com/legal-considerations-for-common-types-of-brain-and-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Car Accidents](https://www.spinalcord.com/car-accidents) - [Contact Sports](https://www.spinalcord.com/contact-sports) - [Acts of Violence](https://www.spinalcord.com/acts-of-violence) - [Workplace Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/workplace-injuries) - [Slips and Falls](https://www.spinalcord.com/slips-and-falls) - [Contusions](https://www.spinalcord.com/contusions) - Personal Injury Claims - [Types](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-personal-injury-claims) - [How to File a Personal Injury Claim](https://www.spinalcord.com/how-to-file-a-personal-injury-claim-for-a-brain-or-spinal-cord-injury) - [Resources](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-resources) - Coping & Support - [Survivor Stories](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/topic/survivor-stories-inspiration) - [Family & Friends](https://www.spinalcord.com/family-friends-of-brain-spinal-cord-injury-patients) - [Support Groups](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-support-groups) - [Support Groups Interactive Map](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-support-groups-map) - [Advocacy Groups](https://www.spinalcord.com/advocacy-groups) - Financial Resources - [Financial Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/financial-resources) - [Grants](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-grants) - [Compensation](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-compensation) - [Brain & SCI Medical Expenses](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-and-spinal-cord-injury-medical-expenses) - [Money Management Tips](https://www.spinalcord.com/money-management-tips) - [Life Care Plan](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-life-care-plan) - Legal Assistance - [Brain Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-lawyer) - [Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer) - [Where To Start](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-where-to-start) - [Speak With An Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer) - [Personal Injury Lawyer](https://www.swoperodante.com/tampa-personal-injury-lawyer/) - Digital Resources - [Frequently Asked Questions & Answers](https://www.spinalcord.com/frequently-asked-questions-and-answers) - [When To Get A Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/your-guide-to-knowing-when-to-get-a-lawyer) - [Organizing Life From A Hospital](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/traumatic-injury-digital-tools-organize-from-hospital) - [Free Brain and Spinal Cord eBooks](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-resources) - [Spinal Cord Infographics](https://www.spinalcord.com/infographics) - [SCI Life Uncovered Podcast](https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-life-uncovered/episode-1) - Local Resources - [Florida Spinal Cord Injury Resources ](https://www.spinalcord.com/florida-sci-resources) - [Local Assistance](https://www.spinalcord.com/florida-personal-injury-claims) - [Map of State Resources](https://www.spinalcord.com/state-programs) - [Community](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-community) - [Trusted Organizations](https://www.spinalcord.com/trusted-by-the-spinal-cord-injury-community) - [Events Calendar](https://www.spinalcord.com/events) - [Podcast](https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-life-uncovered/episode-1) - Recognition - [Best of Awards](https://www.spinalcord.com/best-of-awards) - [Trusted By Designation](https://www.spinalcord.com/trusted-by-the-spinal-cord-injury-community) - [** ](tel:8773367192) - [** ](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/connect-with-peers-a-list-of-spinal-cord-injury-forums#) - [** **(877) 336-7192** ](tel:8773367192) - [** **Contact Us** ](https://www.spinalcord.com/contact-us) # Connect with Peers: A List of Spinal Cord Injury Forums Author: [Spinal Cord Team](https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors) Publish Date: December 08, 2020 ![Spinal Cord Injury Forums](http://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/spinalcord_203_ConnectWithPeers-1.jpg?width=711&height=407&name=spinalcord_203_ConnectWithPeers-1.jpg "Spinal Cord Injury Forums") Experiencing and coping with a [spinal cord injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury) can be a devastating and terrifying ordeal to go through, and it is not uncommon for people to experience a variety of emotions, including depression and fear. Learning to adapt to your new circumstances, perhaps even [grieving for your life before a disability](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/the-5-coping-stages-after-a-traumatic-injury), are both common experiences that you don’t have to go through alone. In order to reach acceptance of what has happened and move on with your life in a positive way, you may find speaking to people who have experienced similar situations, thoughts, and feelings, is a truly liberating and helpful action. ## Reach Out Oftentimes the best way to deal with something stressful is simply to talk about it. Your friends and family are probably providing the best support that they can. But they may not be able to relate to everything that you are going through in the same way as someone who has been through the same thing. In this case, perhaps it may be better for the process of acceptance to discuss with people who 'feel your pain', know exactly what you are talking about, and have likely even felt the same emotions as you. ## Share with Others Sharing experiences can be an emotive and moving experience, which can help you open up to people who may be able to offer helpful advice from 'someone who knows'. Below is a list of spinal cord injury forums which offer helpful advice and a platform to reach out to others who are suffering from or know someone who has been through a traumatic injury. These are safe places for you to connect with like-minded (and like-situational) peers with whom you can directly relate to. #### [Facing Disability](http://www.facingdisability.com/spinal-cord-injury-forums) These forums offer support to not only people afflicted with spinal cord injuries, but their peers, parents, family members and others who  may need to communicate with others for support, ideas information and to share experiences. FacingDisability was a specifically created website to connect those whose lives have been affected by spinal cord injuries. It has more than 1500 videos of people telling you how they deal with spinal cord injury. #### [Inspired](http://www.inspiredsciforum.com/) Inspired is a spinal cord injury support community, where you can find extensive topics covered in forums, such as continuing education following spinal cord injury, disability benefits, disabled travelling, and working with a disability. More than 600 global users rely on this site to share their experiences. #### [Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation](http://www.christopherreeve.org/site/c.mtKZKgMWKwG/b.7875071/k.3955/Peer_and_Family_Support_Program.htm) Actor and activist Christopher Reeve was paralysed in an equestrian competition in 1995 and because of this, he eventually became chairman of the board of the Christopher Reeve Foundation; an organization that supports research into developing treatments and cures for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury. Their online Paralysis Resource Center provides a wealth of information for families and peers, along with advice articles, and local resource lists. #### [Apparelyzed Spinal Cord Injury Peer Support](http://inspiredsciforum.com/thread/3087/apparalyzed) Apparelyzed believes in enabling independence through social interaction, and so proves a great [resource](https://www.spinalcord.com/traumatic-brain-spinal-cord-injury-resources) reaching people far and wide. The forum describes itself as active and vibrant community, that covers a multitude of subjects that people can discuss experiences, feelings but also practical advice such as sports for the disabled, accessible daily living activities and spinal cord autobiographies and stories. Unfortunately it appears Apparelyzed is no longer active, additional information may be found on [Inspired SCI Forum ](http://inspiredsciforum.com/thread/3087/apparalyzed) #### Would you like more resources for spinal cord injury support? Click the button below for a free consultation with a recovery coach who will walk you through the foundations and resources you may be interested in connecting with. [![Spinal Cord Help](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/575040/f9759076-9c54-4c0b-b869-c34b8c18c8ee.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/575040/f9759076-9c54-4c0b-b869-c34b8c18c8ee)   **Topics:** Spinal Cord Injury, Injury Support & Groups ### Stay Updated on Advancements On Traumatic Brain & Spinal Cord Injuries About the Author #### Spinal Cord Team The authors of Spinalcord.com are made up of attorneys, those in the medical field, and survivors of spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. Learn more about our team of authors including a brief biography that explains how they impact the SCI and TBI community. [Learn More About the Author](https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors) **Leave a Comment** [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/575040/dc8bc979-ba55-463a-9400-f92cbdebcb1a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/575040/dc8bc979-ba55-463a-9400-f92cbdebcb1a) true ### Spinal Cord Injury - [Types of Spinal Cord Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Secondary Complications](https://www.spinalcord.com/secondary-complications-after-sci-spinal-cord-injury) - [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/signs-symptoms-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/prognosis-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Legal Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer) ### Brain Injury - [Types of Brain Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-traumatic-brain-injury) - [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/causes-of-traumatic-and-acquired-brain-injuries) - [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi-symptoms) - [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-prognosis-for-tbi-abi) - [Legal Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer) ### Finding Treatment - [Physician Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-and-spinal-cord-injury-physician-directory) - [Rehabilitation Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-hospitals-rehabilitation-directory) - [Technology Advancements](https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-technology-advancements) - [Prevention](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-prevention) ### Legal Options - [Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer) - [Brain Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-lawyer) - [Types of Personal Injury Claims](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-personal-injury-claims) - [Where To Start](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-where-to-start) - [Local Assistance](https://www.spinalcord.com/florida-personal-injury-claims) #### [About Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) Spinal cord injuries are traumatic for patients and their families. They cause disruptive changes to every aspect of your life and there is a lot of new information to navigate and understand. Our experts have collected everything in one place to help you learn more about your injury, locate doctors and treatment centers, find financial support, and get assistance navigating your next move. [Learn More About SpinalCord.com →](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) ## [Contact Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/contact-us) ![logo-footer-spinal-cord.png](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/img/logo-footer-spinal-cord.png?width=249&name=logo-footer-spinal-cord.png "logo-footer-spinal-cord.png") **  [877-336-7192](tel:8773367192) ** [support@spinalcord.com](mailto:support@spinalcord.com) [**](https://www.facebook.com/spinalcordcom) [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/spinalcord-com/) [**](https://twitter.com/SpinalCordCom) [**](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAbz2AC18acXQkpMNPeDIqg) Copyright 2026 | All Rights Reserved. [Spinal Cord, Inc.](https://www.spinalcord.com) Sponsored by [Tampa personal injury lawyers](https://www.swoperodante.com/tampa-personal-injury-lawyer/) at Swope, Rodante P.A. a Florida law firm located at 1234 E 5th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605. The information provided by SpinalCord.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, see [ Disclaimer Policy.](https://www.spinalcord.com/disclaimer) [**](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/connect-with-peers-a-list-of-spinal-cord-injury-forums#) [**](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/connect-with-peers-a-list-of-spinal-cord-injury-forums#) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "WebSite", "name" : "Spinal Cord, Inc.", "potentialAction" : { "@type" : "SearchAction", "query-input" : "required name=search_query", "target" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/search?q={search_query}" }, "url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "contactPoint" : [ { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "contactType" : "customer service", "telephone" : "+1-877-336-7192" } ], "legalName" : "Spinal Cord, Inc.", "logo" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/spinalcordcom", "https://twitter.com/SpinalCordCom", "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAbz2AC18acXQkpMNPeDIqg", "http://www.linkedin.com/company/spinalcord-com" ], "url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Article", "articleBody" : "The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals.

\n\n

What Is a Spinal Contusion?

\n\"Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image\"\n

Much like any other bruise, a contusion can cause bleeding from local blood vessels and inflammation which, rather unlike bruises on other parts of the body, can have serious negative impacts on the spinal cord itself. Because the “blood must clot to stop the bleeding”a bruise results from contusions also increase cardiovascular risks.

\n

For example, the swelling a contusion can cause will often disrupt nerve impulses that travel from the brain to the body through the spinal cord, and the severity of this will depend upon the level of injury. Unlike a concussion, a contusion would not cause unconsciousness or a ‘blackout’, but instead cause the patient to feel a numbness or tingling in the extremities.

\n

A contusion can cause spinal compression, which happens when there is pressure on the spinal cord. This can go on to cause an array of physical symptoms such as loss of sensation in the feet, inability to use the hands and loss of sexual ability. It must be noted that not all contusions cause spinal compression, and not all spinal compression is caused by a contusion, although they do often connect this way.

\n

Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion to Watch For

\n

Firstly, doctors will try and establish what area or limb the injury has affected. Spinal contusions most often “affect the upper extremities bilaterally and also sometimes involve the lower extremities,” according to Dr. Wong, an orthopedic physician.

\n

Symptoms include “numbness, tingling, [or] electric shock-like sensations and burning in the extremities,” (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2016). Generally falling into the category of “spinal trauma” there are many symptoms which are similar to other forms of spinal trauma and spinal cord injury. Below are some symptoms of spinal trauma:

\n\n

Unfortunately, it is sometimes challenging to identify which symptoms are due to a spinal contusion, and which ones are the result of a spinal cord injury directly. It can sometimes require a few days or weeks for the body to recover from spinal trauma and reveal if any permanent damage is left from the accident that caused the SCI.

\n

Understanding what a contusion is, and how it can come into play following a spinal cord injury is important in order to clearly appreciate your injury, understand your diagnoses, and work toward treatment and a prognosis. Doctors can sometimes use jargon that’s difficult to understand, so the more you can educate yourself about your condition, the more control you can have in your recovery and treatment.

\n

If you still have questions about the details of the spinal cord and how it may be affected from your injury, please contact us or download our guide to understanding a spinal cord injury.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Spinalcord.com Team" }, "datePublished" : "2020-12-03", "image" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion", "name" : "Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion", "url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion" } ``` ```json { "@context":"https://schema.org", "@graph":[{"@type":"WebSite", "@id":"https://spinalcord.com/#website", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion", "name":"Spinal Cord Inc", "description":"The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals.", "inLanguage":"en-US"}, { "@type":"ImageObject", "@id":"Spinalcord Logo", "inLanguage":"en-US", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "width":327,"height":300, "caption":"spinal contusion"}, { "@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#webpage", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion", "name":"Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion", "isPartOf":{"@id":"https://spinalcord.com/#website"}, "primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#primaryimage"}, "datePublished":"2020-12-03T18:30:35+00:00","dateModified":"2020-12-03T18:30:35+00:00", "author":{"@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors"}, "description":"The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals. What Is a Spinal Contusion? Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image Much like any other bruise, a contusion can cause bleeding from local blood vessels and inflammation which, rather unlike bruises on other parts of the body, can have serious negative impacts on the spinal cord itself. Because the “blood must clot to stop the bleeding”a bruise results from contusions also increase cardiovascular risks. For example, the swelling a contusion can cause will often disrupt nerve impulses that travel from the brain to the body through the spinal cord, and the severity of this will depend upon the level of injury. Unlike a concussion, a contusion would not cause unconsciousness or a ‘blackout’, but instead cause the patient to feel a numbness or tingling in the extremities. A contusion can cause spinal compression, which happens when there is pressure on the spinal cord. This can go on to cause an array of physical symptoms such as loss of sensation in the feet, inability to use the hands and loss of sexual ability. It must be noted that not all contusions cause spinal compression, and not all spinal compression is caused by a contusion, although they do often connect this way. Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion to Watch For Firstly, doctors will try and establish what area or limb the injury has affected. Spinal contusions most often “affect the upper extremities bilaterally and also sometimes involve the lower extremities,” according to Dr. Wong, an orthopedic physician. Symptoms include “numbness, tingling, [or] electric shock-like sensations and burning in the extremities,” (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2016). Generally falling into the category of “spinal trauma” there are many symptoms which are similar to other forms of spinal trauma and spinal cord injury. Below are some symptoms of spinal trauma: Spinal shock — or the loss of feeling or movement below site of injury (Columbia University Medical Centre, 2016) that can last between hours and weeks Loss of bladder or bowel function Difficulty breathing Muscle spasticity Difficulty understanding speech Problems with attention Memory challenges Heart rate and blood pressure problems Unfortunately, it is sometimes challenging to identify which symptoms are due to a spinal contusion, and which ones are the result of a spinal cord injury directly. It can sometimes require a few days or weeks for the body to recover from spinal trauma and reveal if any permanent damage is left from the accident that caused the SCI. Understanding what a contusion is, and how it can come into play following a spinal cord injury is important in order to clearly appreciate your injury, understand your diagnoses, and work toward treatment and a prognosis. Doctors can sometimes use jargon that’s difficult to understand, so the more you can educate yourself about your condition, the more control you can have in your recovery and treatment. If you still have questions about the details of the spinal cord and how it may be affected from your injury, please contact us or download our guide to understanding a spinal cord injury.", "breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#breadcrumb"}, "inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion"]}]}, { "@type":"BreadcrumbList", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#breadcrumb", "itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem", "position":1, "item": { "@type":"WebPage", "@id":"https://spinalcord.com/", "url":"https://spinalcord.com/", "name":"Home"}}, {"@type":"ListItem", "position":2, "item":{"@type":"WebPage", "@id":"https://spinalcord.com/blog/", "url":"https://spinalcord.com/blog/", "name":"Articles"}}, {"@type":"ListItem", "position":3, "item":{"@type":"WebPage", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/", "name":"Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion"}}]}, {"@type":"Person", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors", "name":"Spinalcord Team", "image":{"@type":"ImageObject", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "inLanguage":"en-US", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "caption":"Spinalcord Team"}, "description":"The authors at SpinalCord.com come from diverse backgrounds including doctors, attorneys, medical journalist, and survivors of spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. Each author brings with them different experiences and expertise which when combined provide clinically accurate information which is useful to all individuals in the spinal cord and traumatic brain injury communities. Within the content you will find citations to medical journals, scientific research, as well as national and local resources to provide immediate support to families in need of assistance. Content is reviewed and updated regularly with changes in the clinical guidelines, new resources, and fresh ways to understand the content such as videos and infographics. ." } ]} ```