If you have been affected by a spinal cord injury or know someone who has, you know that it is a devastating and life changing event. A spinal cord injury will often lead to a permanent disability or paralysis and a loss of sensation below the site of the injury. Damage to the spinal cord cannot be reversed.
The spinal cord carries sensation and motor signals to and from the brain. When the spine is injured, it can result in segmental losses of interneurons and motorneurons, which disrupt these signals. One of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries is car accidents. However, a spinal cord injury can also be caused by a motorcycle crash, truck accident, fall, gun shot or sports-related accident.
It is not uncommon for an individual to be unaware of a spinal cord injury. Sometimes the symptoms are not immediately apparent. Usually numbness or paralysis will occur right after the injury, but other times the symptoms appear gradually as the area around the spinal cord begins to bleed or swell.
Some of the symptoms of a spinal cord injury include unconsciousness, paralysis in any part of the body, numbness in the limbs, trouble walking, head, neck or back pressure, pain in the spine, immobility, loss of sensation, loss of bladder control, spasms and difficulty breathing.
Even though it is impossible to undo the damage to the spinal cord, advancements in surgical procedures and medical treatment can help improve the recovery of the patient. Treatment is generally focused on helping the patient have an active and healthy life. After a patient is stabilized, doctors will work on a plan to avoid further complications, such as blood clots, deconditioning, muscle contractures and bed sores.
The ongoing care and lifestyle change associated with a spinal cord injury can place a substantial burden on the victim and the victim’s family members. If you or someone you love has a spinal cord injury that was the result of another person’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation to pay for medical care and lost wages. Contact Tavss Fletcher at (757) 625-1214 for legal advice.
The article, Spinal Cord Injury – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment, has additional information about these types of injuries.