Pediatric Spinal Cord Injury
What is a pediatric spinal cord injury?
A spinal cord injury (SCI), also called pediatric spinal cord trauma, occurs when damage to the spinal cord interrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body. The spinal cord is responsible for sending messages that control movement, sensation, and many automatic body functions. When it is injured, these signals may be partially or completely blocked.
Spinal cord injuries in children are relatively rare but can have life-changing effects. With early medical treatment and comprehensive rehabilitation, many children can improve their mobility, independence, communication, and quality of life.
What Causes Pediatric Spinal Cord Trauma?
Spinal cord trauma can happen suddenly due to an accident or injury. Common causes include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Falls from significant heights
- Sports-related injuries
- Diving accidents
- Bicycle or ATV crashes
- Trampoline injuries
- Violence or penetrating injuries
- Birth-related injuries (rare)
- Medical conditions affecting the spine (less commonly)
The severity depends on:
- Where the injury occurs along the spine
- Whether the injury is complete or incomplete
- How quickly treatment begins
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Complete Injury
A complete injury means there is a total loss of movement and sensation below the level of the injury.
Incomplete Injury
An incomplete injury means some movement or sensation remains. Many children with incomplete injuries continue to make meaningful improvements with therapy.
Signs & Symptoms of Spina Bifida
Symptoms vary depending on where the injury occurs.
Movement Changes
Children may experience:
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Difficulty walking
- Loss of balance
- Paralysis
- Muscle spasms
- Poor coordination
- Fatigue during movement
Changes in Sensation
Children may report:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Burning sensations
- Reduced feeling
- Inability to detect hot or cold temperatures
Pain
Pain may include:
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Nerve pain
- Muscle pain
- Headaches
- Pain that radiates into the arms or legs
Bladder and Bowel Changes
Depending on the injury, children may experience:
- Difficulty controlling bladder function
- Constipation
- Bowel incontinence
- Frequent urinary tract infections
Breathing Difficulties
Higher spinal cord injuries may affect breathing muscles, leading to:
- Shallow breathing
- Weak cough
- Increased respiratory infections
- Difficulty clearing mucus
Other Symptoms
Children may also experience:
- Difficulty maintaining posture
- Reduced endurance
- Blood pressure changes
- Temperature regulation problems
- Trouble participating in school activities
- Increased dependence for daily tasks
Developmental Challenges
A spinal cord injury can affect many aspects of development, including:
- Gross motor skills
- Fine motor skills
- Self-care skills
- Feeding
- Social participation
- School performance
- Emotional well-being
- Independence
Because children are still growing, therapy often changes over time to support new developmental milestones.
How Therapy Smarts Supports Children with a Spinal Cord Injury?
At Therapy Smarts, our multidisciplinary team works together to help children maximize their abilities while supporting the entire family. Treatment plans are individualized to each child’s needs and goals.
Physical Therapy (PT)
Physical therapists help children improve mobility, strength, and independence.
PT may focus on:
- Walking and gait training
- Strengthening exercises
- Balance training
- Transfers
- Wheelchair mobility
- Standing programs
- Stretching
- Range of motion
- Preventing muscle tightness
- Endurance building
- Orthotic recommendations
- Adaptive equipment training
Goals include helping children move as safely and independently as possible.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Occupational therapists help children become more independent with everyday activities.
OT may address:
- Dressing
- Bathing
- Feeding
- Hand strength
- Fine motor coordination
- Writing skills
- Adaptive equipment
- Splinting
- Wheelchair positioning
- School participation
- Energy conservation
- Home adaptations
Therapists also help families identify strategies that make daily routines easier.
Speech-Language Therapy (SLP)
Some children with spinal cord injuries may need speech therapy, especially if the injury affects breathing, swallowing, or communication.
Speech-language pathologists can help with:
- Swallowing safety
- Feeding difficulties
- Breath support for speaking
- Voice strength
- Communication after prolonged hospitalization
- Cognitive-communication skills if there was an associated brain injury
- Alternative and augmentative communication (AAC), when appropriate
Mental Health Services
A spinal cord injury affects the entire family emotionally.
Mental health therapists can help children:
- Process trauma
- Build coping skills
- Manage anxiety
- Address depression
- Improve confidence
- Navigate social challenges
- Adjust to lifestyle changes
Parents and siblings often benefit from support as well.
Early Therapy Makes a Difference
Children’s brains and bodies have remarkable potential to adapt. Early, consistent rehabilitation can help improve:
- Independence
- Mobility
- Confidence
- Participation at school
- Communication
- Daily living skills
- Physical strength
- Quality of life
Therapy also helps prevent secondary complications such as muscle contractures, pressure injuries, and loss of flexibility.
Wondering About Developmental Milestones?
Have questions about your child’s development, or wondering if a certain diagnosis may be a fit? Try out our developmental screening tool— it’s a fast, free way to get a snapshot of your child’s progress on his or her developmental milestones.
Ready to Help Your Child Reach Their Full Potential?
At Therapy Smarts, we don’t believe in a “wait and see” approach. We believe in early, expert intervention that gives your child the tools they need to thrive. Whether you are looking for specialized Down Syndrome support or a comprehensive developmental evaluation, our award-winning team in Durham and Chapel Hill is ready to partner with your family.
Two Easy Ways to Begin:
Contact Us Directly: Ready to schedule? Call us at 919-378-1340.
Fill out our Online Inquiry Form to speak with a member of our intake team.
Don’t navigate this journey alone—let’s unlock your child’s possibilities together