What happens if your spinal cord is damaged?

Having an accident is always a harrowing experience. However, there are some situations in which a fall or a car crash can cause serious permanent trauma. If the spinal cord is damaged in an accident, you may end up having problems for the rest of your life.

When you have an accident, you should seek medical attention right away even if you feel fine. Remember that x-rays can reveal damage that you might not feel yet.

What is the spinal cord and what does it do?

When you think of a spinal cord you probably think of the bones stacked on top of one another that make up the vertebrae. Inside the vertebrae of the spine is a collection of nerves and tissues. The nerves’ in the spine are connected to the brain as well as the buttock and the back.

The spinal cord lets your brain communicate with the rest of your body and vice versa. It lets you know when you are injured as it enables you to feel pain. If your spinal cord is damaged, your body will not be able to function the way that it should.

A neurologist conducts comprehensive neurological evaluation, utilizing tools like MRI scans and EMG to assess the injury’s extent. Neurologists also monitor patient progress, adjust treatments as necessary, and offer ongoing support. Many neurologists engage in research to advance our understanding of spinal cord injuries and develop innovative therapies, enhancing the lives of individuals affected by these injuries.

Major Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal injuries can be caused by car accidents, slip, and fall accidents, sports injuries, or even electrocution. There are a few common symptoms that spinal damage may cause.

Loss of Motor Skills

When a person’s spinal cord is damaged, they may have limited use of their arms and legs or they may not be able to move their arms and legs at all. They may lose the ability to walk or their ability to walk may be very limited. In some cases, a person may feel a numbness spreading to their fingers and toes.

Incontinence

When the brain does not receive information from the spine properly, you may not know when you have to go to the bathroom. This can cause you to have both bladder and bowel incontinence.

Loss of Consciousness

A person who has suffered a spinal injury may lose consciousness not only when they have the accident, but at random times afterward. A person may simply faint or they may lose consciousness for quite a while.

Chronic headaches can result from a spinal injury and so can an irregular positioning of the head.

Spinal cord injuries have broad impacts. These include reduced independence, affecting mobility and self-care. They can also lead to emotional and psychological challenges, including depression, anxiety, and adjustment issues. Changes in mobility and independence can impact relationships and social interactions. Many individuals with spinal cord injuries may experience job loss or difficulties in finding suitable employment.

Medications help manage symptoms and complications. Rehabilitation plays a pivotal role, with physical, occupational, and speech therapy to improve function and quality of life. Assistive devices like wheelchairs and braces may be introduced to enhance mobility and independence. Management of chronic pain, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and respiratory issues is vital.

Emotional support and counseling help individuals and their families. Ongoing medical care and monitoring are essential for managing complications, while some individuals may have access to experimental treatments. Lifestyle adjustments and community support resources further aid individuals in adapting to their new circumstances and leading fulfilling lives post-SCI.

Filing an Insurance Claim in the State of New York

There are two different types of auto insurance rules in the United States; fault and no-fault. In a fault state, the person who is responsible for an accident is also responsible for paying its associated bills. In a no-fault state, a person’s own insurance company will pay their accident-related bills no matter who is responsible for a collision. New York is a no-fault state.

There are some exceptions to the no-fault rule. If an accident resulted in a spinal injury, fractured bones, or permanent disfigurement, an injured person may be able to sue an at-fault driver. If you are injured at work, or in a slip and fall accident, you may be able to file an accident claim against a company or property owner if they were negligent.

Finding an Attorney

If you have suffered spinal damage in an accident, it is very important to hire a personal injury attorney. Whether you are seeking compensation from your own insurance company or that of a negligent party, a trained personal injury lawyer will have years of experience in negotiations with insurance companies.

Many personal injury lawyers only receive payment when they successfully recover compensation for their clients, making legal representation more accessible for individuals with spinal cord injuries.

A spinal injury is one of the most devastating life events a person can experience. It is important to get the compensation to which you are entitled if it happens.