Spinal cord infarction is injury to spinal cord tissue caused by interrupted or insufficient blood supply. This form of spinal stroke can produce sudden weakness, sensory changes and bladder dysfunction. It requires emergency assessment to identify the cause and distinguish other acute cord disorders.
A vascular emergency
Spinal cord tissue can be injured when an artery is blocked or blood flow becomes inadequate. Some cases involve aortic disease, vascular surgery or cardiovascular risk factors; others remain unexplained. The mechanism differs from inflammation or compression caused by a herniated disc.
Manifestations and immediate action
Sudden back pain may precede weakness, sensory loss or urinary problems. Deficits often develop rapidly. Abrupt weakness, new difficulty walking or loss of bladder or bowel control requires immediate emergency assistance. Associated chest pain should be reported because it may help identify a vascular cause.
Diagnosis
Urgent MRI looks for cord injury and excludes a haematoma or other compression. Very early MRI can appear normal; clinicians may repeat it when suspicion remains. Vascular investigation and sometimes cerebrospinal fluid testing help distinguish infarction from inflammatory myelitis and other potential explanations.
Treatment and recovery
Hospital care aims to address the cause, maintain appropriate perfusion and manage complications. Treatments used for a cerebral stroke do not automatically apply to spinal cord infarction. Rehabilitation addresses walking, spasticity, skin protection, bladder function and independence. Partial recovery may continue over a prolonged period.
Role of TAGMED care
TAGMED is not the setting for initial treatment of a spinal stroke. A decompression device cannot reopen an obstructed artery. After medical stabilization, any musculoskeletal support must fit within the specialist rehabilitation programme and account for vascular, neurological and skin-related risks.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a heart attack?
No. The injured tissue is in the spinal cord.
Does a normal MRI rule it out?
Not always early on. Timing and the clinical circumstances affect interpretation.
Are symptoms always symmetrical?
No. They depend on the affected vascular territory.
Is thrombolysis routinely required?
No. Evidence and treatment decisions differ from those for cerebral stroke.
Can progress continue after hospital discharge?
Yes, but the pace and extent of recovery vary considerably between individuals.
Conceptual diagram: sudden weakness should not automatically be attributed to mechanical back pain.
Medical references
- NIH — NINDS. Spinal Cord Infarction.
- Mayo Clinic — original research, JAMA Neurology. Characteristics of Spontaneous Spinal Cord Infarction and Proposed Diagnostic Criteria.
- NIH — NINDS. Spinal Cord Injury.
References document the topic; their inclusion does not imply endorsement of TAGMED services by those organizations.
Educational information from The Spine Page. This entry does not replace an individual assessment. Documentary version: October 12, 2026. Sylvain Desforges, B.Sc., D.O., N.D., osteopath and naturopath.
TAGMED clinic contact details
These contact details do not replace emergency care. For severe or rapidly progressive symptoms, go to an emergency department; call 911 when needed.
Clinique TAGMED — Terrebonne
1150, rue Lévis, Suite 200
Terrebonne (Québec) J6W 5S6
450‑704‑4447
Clinique TAGMED — Montréal
1140, avenue Beaumont
Mont-Royal (Québec) H3P 3E5
1‑877‑672‑9060