What are some risk factors that would cause you to suspect a spinal injury?

Suspecting a spinal injury often relies on the context of the incident leading to the injury. Involvement in a motor vehicle crash is a significant risk factor because such accidents commonly result in high-impact forces that can easily cause trauma to the spine. The nature of the crash, including speed and the type of collision (e.g., rear-end, head-on), can lead to vertebral fractures or displacement, which are key indicators of potential spinal injuries.

The other factors, while they may indicate other medical issues, do not have as strong a correlation with spinal injuries. For instance, the age of a victim may not provide relevant information concerning spinal risk unless considered alongside other factors. Feeling faint can indicate a variety of medical issues but does not specifically suggest spinal injury. Minor falls typically pose a much lower risk for serious spinal trauma compared to the significant forces involved in motor vehicle collisions.