Are Spinal Cord Injuries Permanent?

How Do Spinal Cord Injuries Happen?

According to the Mayo Clinic, the leading cause of spinal cord injuries is motor vehicle accidents. Alarmingly, traffic crashes account for almost half of new spinal cord injury cases every year. Sadly, spinal cord injuries are permanent. However, some medical treatments and therapies can reduce the long-term effects and mitigate the secondary conditions that are often associated with spinal cord injuries. Read on to learn more.

The Long-Term Consequences of a Spinal Cord Injury

Someone who has sustained a spinal cord injury, whether minor or severe, may lose some essential body functions. A damaged spinal cord can affect the following:

• Intestinal functions (bladder and bowel)
• Breathing
• Heart rate
• Metabolism
• Muscle movement
• Reflexes
• Sensations

The Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

In some cases, sustaining a spinal cord injury can result in full or partial paralysis and can be described as complete or incomplete. Here are the characteristics of each:

• Complete: Total paralysis below the level of injury and affects both sides of the body. A complete spinal cord injury may cause paralysis of all four limbs (known as quadriplegia) or the lower half of the body (known as paraplegia).
• Incomplete: Some functions of the body remain on one or both sides.

Treatment Options for Spinal Cord Injuries

There are many different types of treatments and therapies that can be implemented to improve the quality of life for someone living with a spinal cord injury. Some of the most common treatments and therapies include:

• Medications to reduce symptoms and pain.
• Immobilization to stabilize the spine and align it.
• Surgery to remove fragments of bones, foreign objects, herniated disks, or fractured vertebrae that may be compressing the spine. Surgery is also used to stabilize the spine to mitigate future pain or deformity.
• Physical therapy to improve function and reduce pain.

Injured in a Car Accident? Contact Del Rio & Caraway, P.C. for Help.

The aftermath of a car crash resulting in catastrophic injuries such as permanent spinal cord damage is undoubtedly an overwhelming experience for victims and their loved ones. When someone else's negligence caused you harm, you shouldn't have to worry about how you will pay for your medical bills and treatments. You deserve to have peace of mind knowing there's someone in your corner fighting for your rights. Del Rio & Caraway, P.C. is here to support you every step of the way. Let us handle the insurance companies and hold the responsible parties accountable for their careless actions so you can focus on healing from your injuries.

Don't fight the insurance companies alone after sustaining an injury from an accident. Contact Del Rio & Caraway, P.C. today at (916) 229-6755 or send us a message to discuss your case.