Understanding Spinal Cord Injury
About 200,000 people worldwide suffer from spinal cord injury. The number of injuries that occur each year is alarming. Among the frequent causes are trauma, motor vehicle accidents, falls, construction accidents, seat belt failure accidents, violence, seat back failure accidents, sports-related injuries, and other medical conditions like polio, multiple sclerosis, cancer, and arthritis, to name a few.
An injury to the spine often causes the victims to suffer from very serious complications, which always leave him helpless. More often than not, it is a permanent condition that sees minimal recovery through rehabilitation.
Spinal Injury Complications
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious injury in that is affects the central nervous system. Consequently an injury creates problems not only at the site, but SCI creates systemic problems depending on the specific location of the injury. Generally, paraplegia refers to the paralysis of the entire lower extremities starting from the internal organs just below the waist and the legs; and quadriplegia is paralysis of the entire body from the arms down.
Loss of Sensation
The victim often loses sensation right below the injured area. It is possible for him not to feel common sensations like cold, heat, and pain. Hence, pressure sores can become common. Preventing pressure ulcers to the skin should be given utmost importance.
Musculoskeletal Problems
Paralysis is a common issue in spinal cord injury. Paralysis coincides with musculoskeletal problems. Contracture (wherein the muscles remain tight) leads to joint deformity. Heterotopic ossification is abnormal bone growth in soft tissues. The cause is not known but may be linked to inertia. Spasticity leads to one's inability to control muscle movement. Flaccid muscles refer to the condition of the muscles' being limp and lacking tone.
Loss of Bladder Control
As a result of an injury to the spine, the nerves from the cord may be damaged and therefore make a person lose full control of his bladder. Bladder infections, renal calculi or kidney stones, and kidney infections are often the usual complaints. The injured should consume more fluid to prevent the culmination of stones and infection. With the help of a medical practitioner, a spinal injury victim can learn other ways of emptying his bladder.
Loss of Bowel Control
Spinal cord injury (SCI) can cause a person to lose muscle control around the anus. To cope with such disability, bowel routine and some dietary changes should be considered. Extensive information on setting up a bowel program can be found on the SCI Information Pages.
Reproductive Organ Issues
Men are prone to erection problems and ejaculation issues. On the other hand, both men and women are sure to notice lessened sensation right below their injury. However, most of them are still fertile and have the ability to reproduce.
Changes in Blood Circulation
Circulatory changes such as deep vein thrombosis, edema, low blood pressure, and increased chances of blood clots are common. One should talk to a medical practitioner for better ways of coping with the abrupt changes in the circulatory system. Sometimes diet, prescription medication and physical therapy can reduce the risks of clotting and blood pressure problems.
Respiratory System Problems
Difficulty breathing, clearing secretions, and coughing are the usual problems that are faced by someone with spinal injury.
The Need for a Spinal Cord Lawyer
Spinal cord injury victims need to discuss legal matters with a spinal cord lawyer should the injury be caused by another party.
A damaged spinal cord is a very tragic and often debilitating occurrence. A normal lifestyle suddenly turns upside down. Because the injuries are often permanent and leave the victim incapable of taking care of himself and working for his family's well-being, it is important to talk to a spinal cord lawyer and learn exactly what the victim's rights are, including disability and social security, and what the responsible party's obligations are. The injury to the spine obviously leads to serious damages that hamper a person's opportunities in life. When this tragedy strikes, he can forever miss a variety of chances to improve his well-being and enjoy a normal lifestyle. Considerations are housing, transportation, career, pain management, depression, etc. All of these factors affect the victim's lifestyle and need to be addressed with an attorney.
Depending on the intensity of the injury to the spine, which should be evaluated by and discussed with a licensed medical practitioner and spinal cord injury lawyer, there are legal options to review. Compensation claims can be arranged by a lawyer to recover the much of the losses experienced by the victim.
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