What You Need to Know About Accident Related Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries suffered in Dallas car accidents are among the most severe and debilitating. Because the spinal cord runs the entire length of the body, almost every human function can be affected when it is damaged.

There are many ways the spinal cord can be hurt in an accident, including:

• A cut to the cord itself
• Broken or cracked vertebrae
• Bone or metal fragments interfering with the spinal cord
• Pulling, twisting, or compression of the back or neck during an accident
• Swelling and/or fluid buildup along the spinal cord

In addition, spinal cord injuries can be much more serious if the victim suffers from osteoporosis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Spinal cord injuries are classified in three main categories, each with its own set of symptoms:

Cervical, or neck injuries occur in the neck area, but can affect the body as a whole and the arms or legs. Symptoms include:

• Problems in breathing
• Bowel and bladder problems
• Numbness
• Changes in sensory awareness
• Muscle tone abnormalities
• Pain
• Weakness or even paralysis

Thoracic, or chest level injuries are those that occur to the part of the spinal cord at chest level. Typical symptoms may be:

• Bowel and bladder problems
• Numbness in the spine and/ or extremities
• Changes in sensory awareness
• Muscle tone abnormalities
• Weakness or even paralysis

Lumbar sacral, or lower back injuries can affect the legs, and even the bladder and bowel muscles. Symptoms are:

• Bowel and bladder problems
• Numbness
• Pain
• Changes in sensory awareness
• Muscle tone abnormalities
• Weakness or even paralysis

As these symptoms suggest, there are many overlapping similarities in the three types of spinal cord damage. Therefore, it is absolutely imperative that complete medical diagnostic tests be run to determine the site and severity of the injury.

Treatments for spinal cord injuries will vary depending on the type of injury. Each case is unique. However, the victim may experience more than one of the following:

• Anti-inflammatory medicines
• Surgery to reduce swelling or repair other trauma
• Traction
• Physical and/or occupational therapy
• Other rehabilitation therapies
• Pain medications and/or muscle relaxers

A spinal cord injury can affect a person's mental state as well. A sometimes long and painful recovery may lead to depression or other mental problems. For this reason, doctors may recommend psychiatric help in addition to the physical treatments.

Both the family members and the injured person must work to recover a more normal daily life following a spinal cord injury. This is often one of the most difficult tasks involved, especially if someone else caused the accident and medical bills are piling up.

The experience and dedication of the serous accident lawyers at Guajardo and Marks LLP in Dallas can make your steps to recovery more manageable. Do not hesitate to call them TOLL FREE at (877) 290-1382 to set up an initial free consultation. Or just fill out the form on this page to get an immediate reply.