Management of Cervical Spine Injury: Clinical Roles of Neurology Consultants and Physiotherapists-An Updated Review
Abstract
Background: Cervical spine injuries present critical clinical challenges due to their potential to cause permanent neurological deficits and significant morbidity. These injuries commonly result from high energy trauma such as motor vehicle collisions, falls, and sports related accidents. Early identification and multidisciplinary management are essential to prevent secondary complications and improve patient outcomes.
Aim: To review the clinical roles of neurology consultants and physiotherapists in the evaluation, management, and rehabilitation of cervical spine injuries.
Methods: This updated review synthesizes current literature addressing mechanisms of injury, clinical presentation, neurological assessment, imaging modalities, classification systems, management strategies, and rehabilitation practices.
Results: Findings highlight the importance of early neurological assessment, appropriate imaging guided by NEXUS and Canadian Cervical Spine Rule criteria, and accurate injury classification to guide treatment. Management ranges from conservative immobilization to surgical decompression and stabilization, depending on injury stability and neurological deficits. Physiotherapists play a crucial role in early mobilization, prevention of complications, and long term functional recovery.
Conclusion: Timely, evidence based, multidisciplinary management—including neurology and physiotherapy—is essential to optimize functional outcomes, minimize long term disability, and improve prognosis following cervical spine injury.
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References
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Copyright (c) 2025 Faris Khallufah Saad Alasmari Alasmari, Ali Atiah Najmi, Amera Saud Alrshood, Khulood Ahmed Badr, Seina Marzouq Alghamdi, Hanadi Ibrahim Aqueel, Yasir Mohammed R Alrehaili, Israa mohammed alwabari, Shahad Abdullah Alhudaithy
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