One question that often arises is how does a spinal cord injury affect the brain. In this article, we provide more insight into the complex relationship between spinal cord injuries and memory.
How does a spinal cord injury affect the brain and memory?
Memory is a complex cognitive function associated with the brain. Different types of memory, such as short-term memory (working memory) and long-term memory, involve various brain regions and neural networks. Injuries to the brain itself, such as concussions or traumatic brain injuries, are more directly linked to memory problems.
The connection between spinal cord injuries and memory
While the spinal cord is not directly responsible for memory, SCIs can indirectly impact cognitive function. Here are a few ways in which a spinal cord injury might influence or affect memory:
Psychological and emotional factors
Coping with the life-changing consequences of an SCI can lead to psychological distress, including anxiety and depression. These emotional factors can affect concentration and memory.
Medications and pain management
People with SCIs often require medications for pain management and muscle spasms. Some of these medications can have cognitive side effects, potentially impacting memory and the way those with SCIs live daily.
Secondary brain injuries
With severe spinal cord injuries, especially those involving head trauma, secondary brain injuries can occur. These injuries to the brain can result in memory problems and cause general troubles when coming to terms with spinal cord injury trauma.
Sleep disturbances
Sleep is essential for memory consolidation and overall general well-being. Spinal-related sleep disturbances, such as temperature regulation, bed sores and muscle spasms, can affect memory function and cause difficulty when processing day-to-day information.
Lifestyle changes
Adapting to life with a spinal cord injury often involves significant lifestyle changes, including decreased physical activity and altered daily routines. These changes can indirectly affect cognitive function, including memory.
Managing memory issues after an SCI
If you or a loved one has experienced memory problems following a spinal cord injury, it’s essential to address these issues proactively to prevent any further damage from occurring. Here are some strategies to consider:
Seek professional help
Consult with a healthcare provider who specialises in spinal cord injuries. They can assess your cognitive function and recommend appropriate interventions before any of the issues get out of hand and become unmanageable.
Psychological support
Addressing emotional and psychological challenges is crucial for better care for spinal cord injury. Therapy and counselling can help manage anxiety and depression, which may be contributing to memory issues.
Medication management
Discuss any cognitive side effects of medications with your healthcare provider. They may be able to adjust your treatment plan to minimise these effects, as well as keep an eye on how well any future adjustments work.
Cognitive rehabilitation
Cognitive rehabilitation programmes can be beneficial for individuals with memory and other cognitive problems after an SCI. These programmes aim to improve cognitive function through targeted exercises and strategies.
Sleep hygiene
Establish healthy sleep habits to ensure you’re getting adequate rest, as sleep is crucial for memory consolidation. The better your sleep routine, the less likely you are to have major sleep disturbances.
Seek support and guidance
While a spinal cord injury itself is not a direct cause of memory loss, it can indirectly affect cognitive function due to a variety of factors, including emotional distress, medications, secondary brain injuries, sleep disturbances, and lifestyle changes. It’s essential to recognise and address these issues promptly to enhance overall well-being and quality of life after an SCI. Seek the guidance of healthcare professionals and consider cognitive rehabilitation programmes to help manage memory-related challenges effectively.
How does a spinal cord injury affect the brain? Get in touch with Aspire Law today to discover more about how we can support you through spinal cord injury.