Central Cord Syndrome Recovery: Is It Possible?

Are you seeking neuro rehab in Miami because of central cord syndrome? Do you have a loved one who has this form of traumatic injury? If yes, then chances are you want to know the prognosis of central cord syndrome.

Is it possible to recover and live a normal and pain-free life? What can recovering patients do to improve their chances of healing completely? Read on to learn about the journey you might face while waiting for your body to recuperate.

Central Cord Syndrome: Quick Facts

According to the latest numbers, spinal cord injury affects roughly 300,000 Americans, with approximately 18,000 new cases each year. Notably, incomplete SCIs account for 60 percent of the total number. And among all the incomplete SCI cases, up to 70 percent have central cord syndrome.  

But, what exactly is central cord syndrome (CCS)? How is it different from other types of SCIs? SCI researchers and doctors explain that central cord syndrome often arises from the overextension of the cervical spine (neck) during a traumatic incident like a car accident or a head-to-head collision during a football match. It can also develop in older patients who have congenital cervical stenosis, which causes the narrowing of the cervical spinal canal. 

Most patients who undergo neuro rehab in Miami for CCS experience varying symptoms, including:

• Weakness in the arms and hands
• Less severe (but noticeable) weakness in the lower extremities
• Numbness in the arms, hands, and legs
• Difficulty urinating or controlling urinary bladder function
• Mild to severe neck pain

Can You Recover From Central Cord Syndrome?

The prognosis of patients who undergo neuro rehab in Miami for CCS recovery largely varies depending on a few factors. One of these factors is the cause of the injury. According to some case studies, people who developed CCS because of a traumatic injury are more likely to enjoy a smooth recovery. 

Besides the nature of the injury, it’s also worth it to consider the patient care plan. A 2015 patient case study shares that certain treatment interventions can increase the chances of healing and recovery from CCS. Here’s a closer look at some of the common medical interventions and techniques used by SCI specialists, therapists, neurologists, and other clinicians: 

Occupational therapy 

Occupational therapy comes in extra handy in restoring lost functionalities due to weakened extremities. It also helps strengthen and tone the arm and legs muscles to prevent additional injuries and muscle atrophy. 

Physical therapy

This medical intervention aims to preserve the range of motion and enhance the body’s ability mobility skills to reduce dependence on carers or mobility equipment. 

Aquatic therapy 

This has gained massive popularity in the neuro-rehabilitation niche thanks to its ability to help restore physical function without causing excessive strain on a recovering patient. 

Stretching 

Simple body stretching exercises can also contribute to a fast recovery from central cord syndrome. It prevents muscle and joint stiffness and promotes good blood circulation in the affected body parts. 

Activity-based therapy

Activity-based therapy has helped several patients regain the ability to walk several years after the injury. Essentially, this technique uses intensive locomotor training to reintroduce specific motor tasks to patients recovering from a spinal cord injury.   

Patient education

Having an in-depth understanding of your condition and symptoms and your options for neuro-rehabilitation is pivotal in jumpstarting your recovery journey. You might also find it helpful to learn about the dos and don’ts in living with SCI. Don’t hesitate to consult with your neurologist, therapist, fitness trainers, and other members of your rehabilitation team to know what might work for you.

What to Expect During Recovery Phase

Each patient has a different CCS recovery story. Some might only need a couple of months to see results, while others might need to undergo rehabilitation a bit longer. In most cases, younger patients have a better shot at enjoying complete neurological recovery. Doctors also look into the MRI scans and the severity of the neurological deficit. 

Most patients note that their recovery plateaus two years after their injury. However, the progress improves after the three-year mark, where patients recover up to 90 percent of their motor functions.  

You can expect to see improvements in motor functions that mostly begin in the legs, followed by improved bladder function. Then, years or months after, you might notice restored sensations in the arms and hands.

Begin Your Journey Towards a Smooth Neuro Rehab in Miami

It’s no secret how hard it is to cope with CCS symptoms. In fact, a European study found that about 47 percent of CCS survivors experience neuropathic pain while 66 percent report muscle spasticity. This is why even if a complete recovery is possible, you should still consider tapping into helpful programs that can ease your body into functioning normally again. As we mentioned above, one example of medical intervention you can try is activity-based therapy. 

Activity-based therapies (ABTs) aim to activate an impaired neuromuscular system and retrain the brain and nerves to perform specific motor tasks. Several studies have proven its valuable applications in neuro-rehabilitation and improving the quality of life of SCI survivors. 

Here at iAM ABLE, we provide personalized activity-based therapies to our patients. We use tried and tested methods to help SCI patients see improvements in their mobility and other motor functions.

Learn more about activity-based therapy and the rest of the helpful things that can speed up neuro-rehab in Miami by calling the iAM ABLE team. Alternatively, you may download our comprehensive eBook on thriving after a paralyzing accident. Request your FREE copy today!

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