Spinal Cord Infarction.
Spinal cord infarction (SCI) is uncommon and, therefore, not extensively studied. Little is known about the epidemiology and individual risk factors for SCI. The prognosis for functional recovery after SCI from any cause is not well documented. Despite these deficiencies, useful clinical information regarding SCI following surgical procedures is available. Many nonsurgical causes of SCI are also recognized, including aortic pathology, systemic hypoperfusion, atherosclerotic emboli, or other embolic materials. An understanding of the patterns of blood supply to the spinal cord and the more common causes of SCI will aid in guiding future trials of neuroprotective medications, growth factors, and various perioperative techniques aimed at decreasing functional disability following SCI.
a Cerebrovascular Research Fellow Indiana University Medical Center.
Linda S
LS
Williams
b Associate Professor Department of Neurology Director, Indiana Stroke Program Indiana University Medical Center.
Askiel
A
Bruno
c Professor and Chairman Department of Neurology Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis , Indiana.
José
J
Biller
aortic diseases; ischemic myelopathy; spinal cord