Car crashes are among the top causes of spinal cord injuries, although this type of traumatic harm can result from a variety of circumstances.
Understanding spinal cord injuries can help victims and their family members as they work to learn to adjust to these conditions. These three points are a good starting point for learning more.
1. Complete versus incomplete
Spinal cord injuries are classified as either complete or incomplete. A complete injury involves nerve pathways that are fully severed. Incomplete injuries have some nerve pathways still connected. Patients who have complete injuries lack sensation and movement in the affected area of the body, but those who have incomplete injuries will continue to have some sensation or movement.
2. Location of the injury
The location of the injury determines what area of the body is affected. The impacts are always below the level of the injury, so upper back or neck damage has a larger area of impact than a lower back injury. While paralysis is possible with a spinal cord injury, there are many other possible effects. These include weakness of the limbs and changes in internal organ functions.
3. Spinal shock
Spinal shock after an injury is possible. This is the body’s natural response to the injury. The effects of the injury may seem much worse while the spine is in shock. Immediate treatment for a spinal cord injury can reduce this because it can help to address inflammatory responses that can exacerbate this condition.
Victims of automobile crashes who have spinal cord injuries should ensure they get proper medical care. While this can be costly, it may have a profound impact on their ability to live a full life after sustaining injury. It may be possible to seek compensation for the financial damages they have to deal with if the wreck was partially or totally the result of another person’s negligence, recklessness or intentionally dangerous conduct.