Spinal Cord Injuries

Pediatric Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is a serious and potentially life-altering condition where the spinal cord is damaged due to trauma, affecting the child’s motor function, sensation, or autonomic control. Unlike adults, children have more flexible spinal columns but vulnerable spinal cords, which means that even minor trauma can cause significant neurological impairment. In Bangladesh, pediatric SCIs are increasingly reported due to falls, traffic accidents, playground mishaps, sports injuries, and birth trauma. Lack of early diagnosis, limited awareness, and insufficient pediatric spinal care facilities outside Dhaka contribute to long-term disability. Dr. Md. Nafaur Rahman, a leading pediatric neurosurgeon, provides specialized surgical and rehabilitative care for children with spinal cord injuries at NINS and Bangladesh Paediatric Neurocare Centre. 🧬 Causes of Spinal Cord Injury in Bangladeshi Children Common Traumatic Causes: 🚗 Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) – Particularly motorcycle accidents without child safety measures 🧱 Falls from rooftops, beds, trees, or stairs – Especially in rural and urban high-density homes 🏏 Sports and playground injuries – Falls from swings, climbing bars, or during school activities 🪓 Direct impact or blunt trauma – Accidental blows or heavy object fall ⚠️ Birth trauma – Rare but possible during difficult deliveries, especially in rural setups 🧔 Non-accidental injuries (Child abuse) – A growing concern with underreporting ⚠️ Signs & Symptoms of Pediatric Spinal Cord Injury Early recognition is essential. Symptoms may include: Sudden inability to move arms or legs Loss of bladder or bowel control Tingling, numbness, or weakness Abnormal gait or limping Pain in the neck or back Spinal deformity or stiffness Difficulty breathing (cervical injury) “Any child with a suspected spinal injury must be immobilized immediately and transferred to a center with pediatric neurosurgical expertise.” — Dr. Md. Nafaur Rahman 🧪 Diagnosis & Evaluation at NINS & BP Neurocare A timely and accurate diagnosis ensures better outcomes. Dr. Nafaur Rahman’s team uses: MRI Spine – Gold standard for spinal cord and soft tissue evaluation CT Scan of Spine – For detecting fractures or dislocations X-ray (Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar) – Quick screening in emergency cases Neurological Assessment – ASIA scale and motor grading Spinal Cord Monitoring (SSEP/MEP) – Where available Ultrasound in neonates/infants – When MRI is delayed or inaccessible 🛠️ Surgical Management of Pediatric SCI Surgical treatment is indicated when the injury involves: Spinal instability or vertebral dislocation Spinal cord compression due to hematoma, fracture, or herniated disc Persistent or progressive neurological deficit Spinal cord tethering or post-traumatic syrinx Common Surgical Procedures: Spinal decompression (laminectomy or laminoplasty) Fracture stabilization and instrumentation Removal of hematoma or bone fragments Repair of dural tears or CSF leaks Fusion procedures in severe instability Dr. Nafaur performs pediatric spinal surgeries using minimally invasive techniques, microsurgical precision, and customized instrumentation for growing spines. 🔁 Postoperative Management & Rehabilitation Post-surgical care includes: Pediatric ICU observation Pain management and physiotherapy Bladder and bowel training Nutritional support Seizure prevention and spasticity control (if needed) Rehabilitation starts early and includes pediatric physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy (if upper spine involved), and psychological counseling for both the child and caregivers. 🔄 Long-Term Effects & Challenges Depending on the level and completeness of injury, children may face: Paraplegia or quadriplegia Permanent bowel/bladder dysfunction Scoliosis or spine deformities Delayed growth or orthopedic issues Social isolation or academic withdrawal Depression, anxiety, and caregiver burnout 🌍 Pediatric SCI in Bangladesh: Barriers & Interventions Challenges: 🏥 Limited pediatric spinal trauma centers outside Dhaka ❌ Lack of proper spinal immobilization during transportation 🚫 Poor awareness among parents and teachers 💸 Financial hardship preventing MRI or surgery ⏳ Late presentation from rural areas and missed early interventions Dr. Nafaur’s Initiatives: Develops spinal injury protocols for district hospitals Provides free or low-cost surgeries through charitable initiatives Partners with NGOs and child welfare groups to raise awareness Trains local doctors on red flag symptoms of SCI in children Offers follow-up rehab and neurodevelopment programs 👨‍⚕️ Why Trust Dr. Md. Nafaur Rahman? 🧠 Bangladesh’s trusted name in pediatric spinal neurosurgery 🏥 Treats children at NINS, the country’s top government neuroscience facility 🧒 Personalized care for each child, from surgery to schooling reintegration ⚕️ Uses child-friendly technologies and evidence-based protocols 🤝 Respected by families and peers for compassionate, skilled care 📞 Contact for Pediatric Spinal Injury Emergency or Consultation Dr. Md. Nafaur Rahman Assistant Professor, Pediatric Neurosurgery, NINS Chief Consultant, Bangladesh Paediatric Neurocare Centre 📱 For Serial/Appointment: 📞 01912988182 | 📞 01607033535 🌐 Website: www.neurosurgeonnafaur.com