length of time a stroke in the spine is manifestsed

Hello Anon

Thank you for writing.

Spinal cord infarction, also known as spinal stroke, is a stroke that occurs either within the arteries that supply the spinal cord or the cord itself. The leading cause is arteriosclerosis, a closing or thickening of arteries which are major suppliers to the spinal cord.

More specifically, the type of arteriosclerosis is called atheromatosis. In these cases, an accumulation of lipid-containing matter forms within the arteries. The symptoms of spinal stroke may include paralysis, loss of deep tendon reflexes, and intermittent back pain which either feels sharp or burning or both. Other possible symptoms are loss of pain and temperature sensation, incontinence, aching pain down through the legs, and weakness in the legs.

Spinal stroke can can also be accompanied by initially limp, floppy muscles that become spastic or “tight” over the next brief span of time (sometimes several days), reflexes which may go from being unresponsive to becoming overactive, or a loss of the sense of temperature and pain.

Depending on the mechanism underlying the spinal cord infarction, the symptoms may begin abruptly and acutely or slowly and gradually. Specific symptoms depend on where in the spinal cord the infarction occurs.

As to how long it takes to manifest, we cannot say. As you have read above, it can be sudden or over a period of time - it's not possible for us to say exactly how long but it could certainly be months if not longer.

Best,
Susan