Abstract: Objective To analyze general and trace elements in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF)of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods To assess contents of general and trace elements (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu) in CSF of six SCI patients using ICP-AES. Results Compared with normal value, contents of Ca and Zn were significantly decreased (P<0.01), Fe and Mn were significantly increased (P<0.01), but no significant differences for Na, Mg, K and Cu in CSF of SCI patients. Conclusion The excitation of central nerve system in SCI patients may be higher than normal people indeed.

Key words: spinal cord injury (SCI), cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), general and trace elements, excitation of central nerve system