A spinal cord injury is not only painful, but can also be life changing. Auto accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries, which are to blame for almost 50 percent of new spinal cord injuries each year.

The spinal cord runs about 15 to 17 inches from the base of the brain to the waist and is comprised of nerve fibers that carry messages to and from the brain. When the spinal cord is injured, the result can be catastrophic. Spinal cord injuries can lead to permanent disability, paralysis, quadriplegia and paraplegia.

A spinal cord injury that is caused by an auto accident is known as a traumatic spinal cord injury, because it is a result of a sudden, traumatic blow to the spine. This blow can fracture, crush, dislocate, or compress one or more of the vertebrae. Sometimes bleeding, swelling, inflammation and fluid accumulation around the spinal cord can occur days or weeks after the injury occurred.

Symptoms of spinal cord injuries depend on the location of the injury on the spinal cord and the severity. Some of the common symptoms include:

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Loss of sensation in the spinal cord
• Loss of movement
• Difficulty breathing
• Twisted neck or back
• Numbness in hands, fingers, feet or toes
• Trouble with walking or balance

An emergency room doctor will inspect the auto accident victim to determine if a spine injury took place. The doctor will test sensory function and movement. If a spinal cord injury is suspected, further diagnosis tests will be ordered. The patient may be hospitalized for a few days up to several weeks, depending on the severity of the injury.

Treatment for Spinal Cord Injuries
Unfortunately, there is no way to undo the damage to the spinal cord. However, medical advances over the years have increased the amount of patients who recover from these injuries. The treatment requires immediate medical attention after the accident and ongoing care. The main focus of spinal cord injury treatment is preventing additional injuries and helping the injured victim live an active life.

Immediate treatment after the injury may include medication, immobilization of the spine and surgery. Ongoing care is required for spinal cord injury victims. Doctors will work to prevent complications including blood clots, bed sores, muscle contractures and de-conditioning. A rehabilitation plan may be recommended and medication may be prescribed to control pain and muscle spasms.

When to Seek Legal Representation
If the traumatic spinal cord injury was caused by someone else’s negligence or carelessness, the victim can recover damages. The injured victim will be facing expensive treatment, substantial medical expenses and possibly lost wages and should therefore be entitled to compensation. Contact our office immediately if you or a loved one has sustained a spinal cord injury from an auto accident.

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Andover, MA 01810

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