Glial cells that have not been killed by the injury tend to proliferate. A thick layer of glial cells often develop and line the injury site, forming what some people have call "glial scar".

Occasionally, the injury may cause penetration of the spinal cord and fibroblasts (epithelial or skin cells) invade into the injury site, producing true fibrous scar tissues. In addition, the spinal cord will form fibrous scars or adhesions with the dura.

The dura in turn may form fibrous adhesions with surrounding tissues. Such scarring is common, particularly when the injury caused bleeding. In such cases, the spinal cord may become "tethered"