What is a Spinal Stroke?

Medically Reviewed by Jennie Stanford

When blood flow to the spine becomes restricted, a spinal stroke can occur—similar to strokes in the brain. This interruption prevents oxygen and essential nutrients from reaching spinal cord cells, leading to damage or death of these cells. The process works the same way in both locations, but affects different parts of the nervous system.

What Percentage of Strokes are Spinal?

Spinal strokes, though rare, make up 0.3-1% of all strokes and can lead to serious damage to the spinal cord. These strokes often arise from ischemic events, where blood flow is obstructed, depriving the spinal cord of oxygen and essential nutrients. Dr. Robert Brown from Mayo Clinic emphasizes that “prompt treatment can reduce brain damage and the likelihood of death or disability.”

How is Blood Flow to the Spine Affected?

• Blood clots or fatty buildup can block arteries that feed the spine
• Very low blood pressure can reduce blood reaching the spine
• Pressure on spinal blood vessels from bulging discs, growths, or injuries
• Tears in blood vessel walls disrupt normal flow to the spine
• Swelling of blood vessels can narrow the passages to the spine
• Complications during spine or heart surgeries
• Some medications that tighten blood vessels can limit spine blood flow
• Abnormal tangles of blood vessels can steal blood from the spine

Spinal Stroke: Key Statistics

• Incidence Rate

  Spinal strokes are quite rare, only accounting for roughly 0.3-1% of total strokes. This rarity underscores the need for heightened awareness in emergency situations. As highlighted by Northwestern Medicine, “spinal strokes can lead to paralysis and sometimes death if not treated quickly.”

• Recovery Outcomes

  Many individuals can achieve partial or complete recovery following a spinal stroke, often exceeding recovery rates seen in brain strokes. According to Medical News Today, “it is possible to make a partial or even full recovery from a spinal stroke.”

• Long-term Complications

  Long-term complications can include paralysis and chronic pain, which necessitate ongoing medical support and rehabilitation. The World Health Organization notes that spinal cord injuries can lead to significant long-term disability.

Spinal Stroke: Treatment Measures

Treatment for spinal stroke focuses primarily on restoring blood flow and managing symptoms. This may include anticoagulant medications to prevent further clotting and rehabilitation therapies to regain lost functions. As pointed out by Mayo Clinic, “the management of a stroke often involves a care team with several specialties.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Stroke

1. How to recover from a spinal stroke?

   Recovery may entail a mix of medication, physical therapy, and some lifestyle adjustments to promote healing and regain strength.

2. Who is at risk for spinal stroke?

   People with risk factors like high blood pressure, heart disease, and older age are at a higher likelihood of experiencing a spinal stroke.

3. What are the symptoms of spinal stroke?

   Symptoms can vary but usually include back pain, weakness in limbs, and in severe cases, paralysis.