With the increasing availability of MRI, vascular events, or strokes, are increasingly becoming recognized. A vascular event refers to an interruption of the blood supply to the spinal cord. The interruption leads to sudden, sometimes severe, dysfunction of the spinal cord.
Signs & Symptoms
- Acute weakness or paralysis of the limbs
- One side or one leg is often more affected
Arterial blockage is caused by a blood clot or, commonly, a piece of cartilage from an intervertebral disc.
MRI is the gold standard for diagnosing vascular events.
Nursing and rehabilitation therapy are common treatment methods. Patients who are prone to throwing blood clots are screened for illnesses that may predispose them to inappropriate clotting.