Damage to the spinal cord. The most common types of injury are: direct compression from a spine fracture, hematoma, or abscess; lack of blood supply from a blood vessel injury supplying the spinal cord; direct injury from trauma such as a gunshot wound or stabbing; or stretching of the spinal cord during trauma causing a bruise of the spinal cord. The location and severity of the injury determines the nerve deficits experienced. If the injury is high in the neck death can result from inability to breathe.