Spinal Cord Infarction

Overview

Spinal cord infarction is a rare type of spinal cord injury caused by a sudden disruption of blood supply to the spinal cord, leading to tissue damage. It shares similarities with a stroke in the brain, but it affects the spinal cord instead, resulting in varying degrees of motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction.

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we specialise in inpatient neurorehabilitation for individuals recovering from spinal cord infarction and other non-traumatic spinal conditions. Our multidisciplinary team supports patients with intensive physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing, and neuropsychology to help restore mobility and independence.

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What Causes Spinal Cord Infarction?

Spinal cord infarction (also called spinal stroke) occurs when the blood flow through the arteries supplying the spinal cord is disrupted. Common causes include:

• Aortic dissection or aneurysm
• Severe hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Embolism or thrombosis
• Spinal surgery or vascular procedures
• Vasculitis or inflammatory artery disease
• Arteriosclerosis (narrowing of spinal arteries)
• Coagulopathies or clotting disorders
• Spinal trauma leading to vascular compromise

Infarctions most commonly affect the anterior spinal artery, resulting in anterior cord syndrome, but may also involve other vascular territories.

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Who Is More Likely to Have a Spinal Cord Infarction?

Spinal cord infarction is rare, but certain individuals are at higher risk due to underlying health conditions or procedures that affect the spinal blood supply. You may be more likely to experience a spinal cord infarct if you:

• Are over age 50
• Have a history of aortic aneurysm or dissection
• Undergo aortic or spinal surgery (particularly involving clamping or stenting)
• Have atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries
• Live with uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Have diabetes, which increases the risk of vascular disease
• Experience very low blood pressure (hypotension) during surgery or critical illness
• Have a blood clotting disorder or are on anticoagulants
• Have autoimmune diseases such as lupus or vasculitis

Men and women are affected equally. It is also more common in individuals with a history of smoking, poor circulation, or previous stroke or TIA.

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Symptoms Of Spinal Cord Infarction

The symptoms of spinal cord infarction usually come on suddenly, often within minutes or hours, and may include:

Motor Symptoms:

• Sudden weakness or paralysis in the legs (paraparesis or paraplegia)
• Weakness in the arms (if upper spinal cord is involved)
• Loss of coordination or difficulty walking
• Muscle stiffness or spasticity over time

Sensory Symptoms:

• Loss of pain and temperature sensation below the level of the infarction
• Preserved light touch and proprioception (in anterior infarction)
• Numbness or tingling sensations

Autonomic Dysfunction:

• Loss of bladder and bowel control
• Sexual dysfunction
• Low blood pressure or difficulty regulating heart rate (in high spinal lesions)

Symptoms often correspond to the level of the spinal cord affected — for example, a thoracic infarction may cause lower-limb weakness and incontinence, while a cervical infarction may affect both upper and lower limbs.

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Diagnosis

Diagnosis of spinal cord infarction typically involves:

• MRI scan of the spine – to detect cord swelling, abnormal signal, or rule out compressive causes
• CT angiography or MR angiography – to assess vascular supply and detect blockages
• Neurological examination – to assess motor, sensory, and reflex changes
• Blood tests – to rule out clotting disorders or autoimmune vasculitis

Diagnosis is often made in an acute hospital setting, and patients are referred to The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital once medically stable for rehabilitation.

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Rehabilitation At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital

We provide structured, consultant-led inpatient neurorehabilitation focused on regaining independence and improving quality of life after spinal cord infarction.

Physiotherapy

• Gait retraining and use of assistive devices
• Strengthening and endurance work
• Balance and postural control
• Spasticity management techniques
• Hydrotherapy (if appropriate and available)

Occupational Therapy

• Upper limb rehabilitation
• Activities of daily living (e.g. dressing, bathing)
• Energy conservation and fatigue management
• Wheelchair assessment and equipment provision
• Functional hand therapy

24/7 Nursing Support

• Continence care and bladder/bowel programmes
• Skin integrity and pressure sore prevention
• Nutrition, medication, and pain management

Neuropsychology & Support

• Emotional support and adjustment counselling
• Cognitive strategies (if required)
• Education and goal setting

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Who We Can Help

We accept adults (18+) with:

• Confirmed spinal cord infarction
• Mobility or functional difficulties
• Medically stable but requiring inpatient neurorehabilitation
• Co-existing conditions like diabetes, vascular disease, or past stroke

We welcome referrals from NHS hospitals, private clinicians, insurers, and self-funding families.

Call 01296 678800 or enquire online to find out more.

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Why Choose Royal Bucks?

• UK leaders in post-stroke and spinal cord injury rehabilitation
• Experienced in rare and complex neurological conditions
• Full-time inpatient therapy programmes
• Consultant-led medical oversight
• Peaceful private setting with ensuite rooms