Stages of paraplegia

Care after a spinal cord injury moves through phases. Recovery varies a great deal from person to person.

Acute phase (first hours to days)

• Emergency care, keeping the spine still and stabilising breathing and blood pressure
• Scans and sometimes surgery to relieve pressure or fix the spine
• Spinal shock: the cord goes quiet below the injury, so muscles are floppy and reflexes are absent. It can last days to weeks.

Subacute phase (weeks to months)

• Spinal shock ends and spasms and reflexes return
• Rehabilitation starts: positioning, sitting, bladder and bowel training, skin care and learning transfers
• Most neurological recovery in incomplete injuries happens in the first 3 to 6 months

Chronic phase (after about 6 to 12 months)

• Life skills, mobility aids, wheelchair skills and return to work or study
• Long-term care of skin, bladder, bowel, bones, mood and general health
• Further small gains can happen, mainly with training

For non-traumatic causes

The course depends on the cause. Treating infection, a tumour or inflammation early can improve recovery.

Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda does not describe these phases. This is a modern rehabilitation framework.

What to watch for

Pressure sores, urine infections, blood clots, pneumonia, spasms, pain and low mood.

See a doctor if you notice new weakness, fever, a red patch on the skin, or a severe headache with pounding heart.

When to get help

Contact your rehabilitation doctor or spinal injury centre if you notice new weakness, skin redness, fever, burning urine, new pain or spasms that interfere with daily life. Call 112 for sudden severe headache with pounding heart, chest pain or breathlessness.

Remember

Rehabilitation is a long journey. Steady care in each phase builds independence.