Experimental spinal cord trauma: potentiation by alcohol

The effect of alcohol on the injured spinal cord in cats is assessed by use of a standardized trauma model at both nonparaplegic and paraplegic trauma forces. Prior administration of an intoxicant dose of ethyl alcohol resulted in a potentiation of the trauma response at the 100 gm-cm and 260 gm-cm contusion levels. No significant changes were noted at the higher trauma grades. The results suggest that alcohol acts synergistically with mechanical injury of the spinal cord to amplify the trauma response by increasing edema formation within the contused tissue. The mechanism by which this potentiation may occur ar possibly in the areas of antidiuresis and fluid retention from increased tissue hydration in alcohol-treated animals.