“Can a spinal injury affect the brain functioning?”
I had a spinal injury one year back, post which I underwent a surgery as well. Since my recovery started I have been undergoing severe mood fluctuations that do not seem normal. Can a spinal injury impact the brain functioning?
6 Answers
Richard Grant Hunter
Neurologist
Yes. If the spinal cord injury required surgery, assume there was at least a mild brain injury associated. This is often from a whiplash maneuver which was not noted because there was no evidence of external trauma to the skull. The damage was inside the skull. A neuropsychiatrist would handle this well, if you can find one. Good luck!
Chronic pain from spine injuries can lead to agitated states, and/or depressive states. This can translate to wide swings in mood.
Based on the history you provided you might be suffering from adrenal fatigue with neurotransmitter disturbance or a possible superimposed hormonal deficiency syndrome. Please contact our office for a more detailed consultation.5165448899
Depends on the type of injury. If it's from trauma, then that could have been associated with traumatic brain injury. Sometimes, the pain and change in lifestyle could affect the moods in a negative way.
It is possible that they are unrelated. But certainly the interplay between the brain and spine is complex. Recommend you see your doctor for evaluation, and starting medications for anxiety or depression may be helpful.
Spinal injury never affects the brain, nonetheless, mood fluctuation is not uncommon with spine injuries, as much as any other injuries.
