Injury to nervous system?

[LymeChris]

Im not really sure how I should state these questions, so let me see where this question gets us.

Is there a specific spot in your spine a person would have to injure or traumatize in some way, to greatly affect the autonomic nervous system?
By greatly affect I mean by affect it would be causing problems in nearly every system of either nervous system. Such as having exaggerated symptoms from the Sympathetic Nervous System on a constant basis.

[LymeChris]

Appreciate the reply,

When you say sympathetic nerves do travel in the spinal cord near the center. You are referring to the center of the spine from an OUTER to INNER perspective correct? and NOT a TOP to BOTTOM of the spine which would make it the thoracic region.

If I was to choose a particular symptom I was interested it would be the ones you just mentioned. Abnormal blood pressures, abnormal skin flushing, and changes in heart rate, Do these symptoms go hand in hand with each other in this type of injury? or if it was this type of injury could they occur separate from each other?

So if you have a injury to the spinal cord, lets say for example in T7. The injury happened near the center and affects the sympathetic nervous system. Would it affect the sympathetic nerves from that point and "down"? So everything T7 and lower would be affected or does it excite the entire sympathetic system no matter the injury location?

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

The sympathetic nerves do travel in the spinal cord near the center (i.e., IML). They can be injured in various conditions particularly if there is a severe trauma to the spine which can result in abnormal blood pressures, abnormal skin flushing, and changes in heart rate.

Is there a particular symptom you are interested in?

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.