Which type of spinal cord injury is considered primary?

The type of spinal cord injury that is considered primary occurs at the moment of injury and is irreversible. This means that the damage inflicted on the spinal cord happens instantaneously due to factors such as trauma, impact, or compression during the event, such as a fall or a car accident. This primary injury can lead to immediate loss of function below the level of injury due to the direct damage to the nerve fibers.

In contrast, other forms of injury, such as inflammation and increased pressure, occur as secondary processes following the initial traumatic event. These secondary injuries can lead to further complications and damage over time, but they are not classified as primary injuries because they develop after the initial trauma has already occurred. Therefore, identifying the primary injury helps in understanding the immediate impact on the spinal cord and the potential for recovery or rehabilitation, which follows the initial event.