What's the difference between a regular stroke and spinal stroke?

Hello Lauren,

A stroke, which is sometimes referred to as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), results when the blood supply to the brain is interruped or severely decreased. Brain tissue is deprived of oxygen and food. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die.

It is important to note when your signs and symptoms begin, because the length of time they have been present may guide your treatment decisions.

Symptoms include trouble with walking, talking and understanding. A person may have paralysis or numbness of the face, arm or leg. Sudden blurred or blackened vision in one or both eyes, or double vision can occur. A sudden, severe headache, which may be accompanied by vomiting, dizziness or altered consciousness, may indicate a stroke.

A spinal cord is a stroke either within the spinal cord or the arteries that supply it. It is caused by arteriosclerosis or a thickening or closing of the major arteries to the spinal cord.

In many cases, spinal cord infarction is caused by a specific form of arteriosclerosis called atheromatosis. This is a deposit or accumulation of lipid-containing matter that forms within the arteries.

Symptoms generally appear within minutes or a few hours of the infarction. They may include intermittent sharp or burning back pain, aching pain down through the legs, weakness in the legs, paralysis, loss of deep tendon reflexes, loss of pain and temperature sensation, and incontinence.

I hope that I have answered your question.

Regards,
Maryann