Unveiling the Impact of 2024 Bangladesh Revolutionary Trauma: Demographics and Lesion Characteristics of Patients with Spinal Cord Injury.

Background: In 2024, Bangladesh experienced a nationwide anti-discrimination movement that escalated into violent conflict, resulting in significant civilian casualties and an alarming rise in traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCIs). This study investigates the demographic profile and lesion characteristics of patients with SCI resulting from gunshot injuries during movement. Objective: To explore the demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals who sustained SCI due to gunshot trauma linked to the 2024 Bangladesh protests. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted across four tertiary hospitals in Bangladesh. Data were obtained from hospital records of patients admitted with SCI between July and August 2024. Phone interviews were conducted to validate and update data regarding age, sex, occupation, income, cause of injury, and lesion level. Descriptive analyses were performed using SPSS v27. Results: Of the 47 records initially reviewed, 33 patients met the inclusion criteria. The majority were aged 16–30 years (67%), primarily student activists (67%), and from low-income households (76% reported monthly income between BDT 10,000–20,000). Gunshot wounds accounted for 79% (n=26) of injuries. The thoracic spinal level was the most common lesion site, and incomplete SCI was more prevalent than complete lesions. Most cases resulted in paraplegia (n=30). Discussion: This study highlights the disproportionate impact of civil unrest on young, low-income individuals. Gunshot-related SCI was the predominant injury mechanism, with paraplegia and thoracic-level involvement being most common. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted rehabilitation services, resource allocation, and preventive public health policies during times of civil unrest. Conclusion: Young, socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals were the primary victims of gunshot-related SCIs during the 2024 Bangladesh protests. Most injuries were incomplete thoracic lesions, with high potential for functional recovery. Rehabilitation infrastructure must be urgently strengthened to meet this emerging burden.