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Spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality is symptoms of a spinal cord injury with no evidence of injury to the spinal column on X-rays or CT scan. Symptoms may include numbness, weakness, abnormal reflexes, or loss of bladder or bowel control. Neck or back pain is also common. Symptoms may be brief or persistent. Some do not develop symptoms until a few days after the injury.
Causes may include motor vehicle collisions, falls, sports injuries, and non accidental trauma. A number of underlying mechanisms are proposed including spinal cord contusion, injury to the blood supply to the spinal cord, and excessive stretching of the cord. Magnetic resonance imaging is recommended to determine if further problems are present.
Treatment is often based on the MRI findings and whether or not symptoms are persistent. If the MRI is normal and symptoms have resolved no or brief neck bracing may be recommended. Otherwise a rigid cervical collar or surgery to immobilize the neck for three months is recommended. If the MRI is abnormal surgery to hold the neck still may be carried out Typically people should avoid further high risk activities for the next six months. The use of corticosteroids is not generally recommended.
The condition is rare. Most cases are believed to occur in children and the elderly. Males are more frequently affected than females. Outcomes are generally good if the MRI is normal but less so if problems are found. The risk of death is low at about 2%. It was first defined in 1982.