Car accidents and falls are two of the top causes of spinal cord injuries. Unfortunately, a spinal cord injury can lead to a catastrophic outcome, such as paralysis.
If you are involved in an accident, seek immediate medical care. Treatment options are available to help mitigate the long-term effects of spinal cord injuries.
The location of the injury matters
The type and location of the injury to the spine indicate a victim’s long-term prognosis. When a spinal cord injury occurs, the effect on the body is seen below that level. For example, someone with a neck injury will have a bigger part of their body affected than someone with a lower back injury.
Those with incomplete injuries (which occur when the spinal cord is not severed) will not have as serious an injury as someone with a complete injury (in this case, the spinal cord is completely cut or damaged).
There are additional challenges that accompany spinal cord injuries beyond paralysis. Some accident victims experience the following:
- Blood pressure issues
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Pneumonia
- Inability to regulate body temperature
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Spasticity and pain
- Issues with the heart or lungs
- Sexual dysfunction
The long-term impact of spinal cord injuries
For those who experience a spinal cord injury, it is likely to have long-term complications. For example, it may be impossible for the victim to work, do normal tasks on their own or walk (among other issues). Additionally, the medical costs for treatment and rehabilitation after this type of accident can be significant.
If someone else’s negligence caused the accident that caused the spinal cord injury, it might be possible to recover compensation. Learning more about the legal aspects of this situation is best to know how to pursue a claim.