Typically a Spinal Cord Injury Leads to a Host of Other Physical and Emotional Incapacities
When a spinal cord is injured, a whole host of other problems arise in the body because nerve impulses can no longer get through, often resulting in loss of mobility and sensation, as well as paralysis. Sadly, due to the increasing number of high-speed motor vehicle crashes every year, there are more and more motor vehicle accident victims that suffer from spinal cord injuries.
Spinal cord injuries can lead to circulatory system problems, as well as difficulty with bladder and bowel control, respiratory problems (increased pneumonia risk and other lung problems), mental health issues, muscle problems, physical pain, and loss of skin sensation. This is because your spinal cord is a collection of nerves that travel from your brain down your back, and out to your abdomen, arms, chest, and legs. These nerves allow your brain to give commands to the rest of your body and control the functions of certain organs.
Paralysis not only causes an obvious amount of functional loss and life-alteration, but also a significant amount of emotional suffering, as well as incapacities in other areas of the body.
Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries and Associated Problems
The most common cause of spinal cord injuries is trauma; more specifically, motor vehicle accidents. Other causes can include falls, sports injuries, and violence (such as someone intentionally wounding your spine).
Spinal cord injuries are typically classified in terms of “complete” (no function below the injury) or “incomplete” (some function remaining below the injury). Unfortunately, the spinal cord does not have the ability to repair itself once it has been damaged.
The location of the spinal cord injury also matters: cervical cord injuries can be especially severe, sometimes even resulting in quadriplegia. However, the lower down on the spine the injury is, the less life-altering it tends to be.
They Make Life Unpredictable
Ultimately, spinal cord injuries are unpredictable: While some survivors can still walk afterwards, others have to undergo years of physical therapy just so that they can move their arms again.
Texas Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys Can Help You Today
The most important factor in achieving recovery is early treatment, which can be expensive. If someone has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, it is crucial that they work with an attorney who has a connection to the proper medical experts who can draw a connection to these other areas of the body that have been affected due to the spinal cord injury.
Our attorneys are advocates for people who have suffered from spinal cord injuries throughout Texas. We understand and empathize with just how devastating these injuries can be to you both you and your family. Contact us today to find out how we can help.
