Motor vehicle crashes, falls and many types of accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries, some of which involve the spinal cord. A spinal cord injury has the possibility of leading to life-threatening effects and lifelong changes.
It’s possible that some spinal cord injuries may have only temporary effects. These are usually the result of spinal shock, which is the result of the body’s natural defenses. Spinal shock can lead to inflammation around the spinal cord. As that inflammation abates, the symptoms will lessen.
The location of the injury is important
The location of the spinal cord injury is important because the effects of the injury will always be felt below the level of the damage. This means that injuries to the neck will affect a larger portion of the body than injuries to the lower back. While some people think that spinal cord injuries are only associated with paralysis of the limbs, other effects are also possible. These injuries can also affect the internal organs.
Severity of nerve damage
The severity of the nerve damage in the affected area can also impact the effects a person feels. An incomplete injury still has some nerves intact at the site of the damage, so the person may still have some movement or sensation below the site of the injury. A complete injury has a full severing of nerves at the site of the damage, which means there is no movement or sensation in the affected area of the body.
Anyone who suffers a spinal cord injury at the hands of a negligent party should ensure they get medical attention, which might be costly. This comes at a time when they may be unable to work because of the injury, so their financial situation may suffer. It’s critical that they explore their option for filing a compensation claim because time is limited. It may be beneficial for them to work with someone familiar with these matters so they can get their case moving forward.