Definition – What is a stroke in the spinal cord?
The spinal cord is supplied with blood by several arteries. There are horizontal and vertical arteries, which are all connected to each other to ensure that the blood supply is as safe and sufficient as possible. A stroke in the spinal cord means that a circulatory disorder has developed in this vascular system, resulting in an undersupply of blood to the spinal cord with the loss of nerve cells.
This varies depending on the height of the spinal cord. In general, however, sensitivity disorders, pain and paralysis occur. In the case of such symptoms, it is very important to consult a doctor immediately.
Causes of a stroke in the spinal cord
A circulatory disorder of the spinal cord can have various causes. Diseases of the aorta can affect the blood supply to the spinal cord, since this large vessel supplies the smaller arteries with blood. If the aorta expands or sags, or if it becomes narrow, it can cause circulation problems.
Inflammations or operations on the aorta can also result in a reduced supply. Another cause is the so-called arteria spinalis anterior syndrome, in which the artery running in front (arteria spinalis anterior) does not supply the spinal cord with enough blood, resulting in a stroke. The cause of the circulatory disorder can be calcium deposits in the vessel (arteriosclerosis), the disease of small vessels due to metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus, a tear in the wall of the aorta (aortic dissection), an autoimmune disease or a tumor.
A common cause, however, is the undersupply of this artery as a result of surgery for aortic aneurysm. Other causes are a deformity in the venous system of the spinal cord or thromboses. A slipped disc or tumors can also lead to a stroke in the spinal cord.
- Diseases of the aorta
- Arteria-spinalis-anterior syndrome
- Other causes
