Damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal (cauda equina) can cause permanent changes in strength, sensation, and other bodily functions.
Your life might seem affected in every way if you’ve recently injured your spinal cord. Your injury may affect you mentally, emotionally, and socially.
Researchers are optimistic that advances in research will eventually allow spinal cord injuries to be repaired. There are ongoing research studies around the world. Meanwhile, spinal cord injury patients can live productive, independent lives with the aid of treatment and rehabilitation.
The Basics of Spinal Cord Injury
When vertebrae of the spine become fractured or twisted and bent unnaturally, spinal cord injuries occur. Vertebral fractures cause spinal cord injuries due to the sensitivity of the spinal cord to damage. One fragment of vertebrae is all it takes to puncture the spinal cord.
Common Symptoms
When you suffer a spinal cord injury, your ability to control your limbs depends on two factors: where the injury occurred on your spinal cord and how severe it was.
The neurological level of an injury is the lowest portion of your spinal cord that is not damaged after it has been injured. Injuries are classified as complete or incomplete based on their severity:
- In a complete spinal cord injury, all sensation (sensory function) and motor function (motor function) are lost.
- It is called incomplete injury if you are able to move or sense below the injured area. Incomplete injuries can vary in severity.
Additionally, paralysis from a spinal cord injury can be referred to as:
- (Tetraplegia) This is also known as quadriplegia, which means all your arms, hands, trunk, legs, and pelvic organs are affected by the spinal cord injury.
- (Paraplegia) This condition causes paralysis of the trunk, legs, or pelvic organs.
It is possible for minor spinal cord injuries to go undetected at first. In order to determine when medical help is needed, it is vital to recognize the early signs of spinal cord injury. Alternatively, the damage could worsen through inflammation or by moving in the wrong direction.
The signs of a complete spinal cord injury are far more severe than those of an incomplete spinal cord injury. When the spinal cord has been completely severed, it is known as a complete spinal cord injury. In contrast, an incomplete spinal cord injury involves only partial damage to the spinal cord.
Signs and symptoms of spinal cord injuries include:
- Complete loss of movement
- Sensation loss or alteration, including heat, cold, and touch
- Loss of control over the bowels and bladders
- Spasms or reflex activities that are exaggerated
- Sexual function, sexual sensitivity, and fertility changes
- A stinging or painful sensation caused by damaged nerve fibers in your spinal cord
- Coughing, having difficulty breathing, or coughing up secretions
Most spinal cord injuries resulting in complete paralysis result in complete amputation of the spinal cord. Damage to the damaged site causes loss of movement, sensation, and other bodily functions. Damage from the waist up tends to cause:
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Loss of control over the bowels or bladder
- Feelings of numbness or tingling
- Fingers or toes are partially immobile
- Problems with coordination
- Difficulties breathing
- Loss of movement
- Inability to walk
There are often tingling sensations, numbness spreading throughout the body, back or neck pain, and muscle spasms associated with spinal cord injuries. If someone experiences severe back pain after an accident, it could be a sign of a spinal injury. Spinal cord injuries can be caused by almost any significant impact on the spine.
When should you see a doctor?
A spinal injury must be evaluated immediately by a medical professional after significant trauma to the head or neck. Until proven otherwise, it is safest to assume trauma victims have spinal injuries for the following reasons:
- It’s not always obvious when someone has suffered a severe spinal injury. If it is not detected, more severe damage may result.
- Paralysis or numbness can occur immediately or gradually.
- It is crucial to consider the time interval between injury and treatment when determining the extent and severity of complications.
In the event that you suspect someone has a back or neck injury:
- The injured person shouldn’t be moved – permanent paralysis and other serious complications may result.
- 911 or your local emergency medical assistance number should be called.
- Ensure that the person remains still
- As soon as emergency care arrives, place heavy towels around both sides of the neck or hold the head and neck to prevent them from moving.
- Make the person comfortable, stop bleeding, and provide basic first aid without moving the head or neck.
Without proper treatment, spinal cord injuries can lead to lifelong disabilities. In the absence of emergency care, spinal cord injuries can be life-threatening. If you recognize the signs of a spinal cord injury early, you can reduce the chances of the damage worsening. In addition, it is possible to receive compensation if you suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence. Consult a Spinal cord injury lawyer in Palm Beach County to learn more.
There are often tingling sensations, numbness spreading throughout the body, back or neck pain, and muscle spasms associated with spinal cord injuries. For example, if someone experiences severe back pain after an accident, it could signify a spinal injury. A spinal cord injury can occur as a result of almost any trauma to the spine.
The long-term effects of spinal cord injuries
Long-term effects may include loss of sensation and movement below the damaged area. There are also complications associated with spinal cord injuries:
- The inability to control one’s bladder and bowels permanently
- An inability to breathe without the aid of an assistive device
- The inability to speak
- Having chronic pain in your legs, back, or other parts of your body
- The development of pressure ulcers and bedsores
- Autonomic dysreflexia that can be life-threatening
- Sexual dysfunction
- Muscle reflexes
- A problem with blood circulation
Stress, anxiety, and depression can also result from so many life changes at once. Some of these battles can last a lifetime and can drastically alter a person’s outlook and enjoyment of life. One of the worst things about spinal cord injuries is their lifelong complications. Treatment does not always improve spinal cord injuries.
Can you sue for a Spinal Cord Injury in Palm Beach County?
If another person’s negligence caused your spinal cord injury, you might be able to sue. Typically, this involves filing a personal injury claim against the negligent party. Accidents that can result in personal injury lawsuits include:
- Auto accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Slip and fall
- Assault
- Defective products
Your injury must be proven to be the result of negligence, damages, and causation in order to receive compensation. Medical records and pay stubs can prove damages such as lost wages and medical bills. Witness testimony may be required for other damages, such as pain and suffering.
Depending on the reason for your lawsuit, proving negligence and causation can be challenging. Documents, pictures, and digital traces should be collected as much as possible. Find out what other steps you can take by contacting a Palm Beach County spinal cord injury lawyer. A lawyer can help you receive the proper compensation.
Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer in Palm Beach County
The process of filing a personal injury claim is not always straightforward, and it can be stressful if your claim is denied. For a free consultation with a Palm Beach County personal injury attorney, contact the Bodden and Bennett Law Group online or call (561) 806-5229 today. Our legal team might be able to assist you in obtaining compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical expenses. We are located in Boynton Beach, Florida.
