How does a spinal stroke happen?
A spinal stroke occurs when the blood flow to the spinal cord is disrupted. The normal functioning of the spinal cord is dependent on a steady supply of blood. An interruption in the blood flow can cause tissue injury or damage, as well as prevent messages (nerve impulses) from traveling down the spinal cord.
A complicated system of blood arteries supplies blood to the spinal cord. The anterior spinal artery (at the front of the spinal cord) and the posterior spinal artery (at the back of the spinal cord) are the two main blood arteries (at the back). The anterior spinal artery is the site of the majority of spinal strokes.
Bleeds are the cause of some vertebral strokes. Obstructions cause the majority of spinal strokes in the blood flow (typically blood clots). Ischaemic spinal stro...