Spinal Cord Injury

Learn about spinal cord injuries from a personal injury lawyer!

InfoCenter

November 21, 2008

Spinal cord injury info and access to attorneys who specialize in spinal cord litigation

About spinal cord injury InfoCenter

SpinalCordInjuryInfoCenter is an Internet resource that offers you an opportunity to research spinal cord injuries and your legal rights associated with spinal cord injuries. SpinalCordInjuryInfoCenter does not offer legal advice or referrals.

Spinal Cord Injury Information

Spinal Cord Injuries

What is Paraplegia?

Paraplegia is the permanent loss of control over muscles in the lower body. Paraplegia results from damage to the spinal cord in the middle to lower back.

What is Quadriplegia?

Quadriplegia is the permanent loss of control over the muscles from the neck down. This usually results from damage to the spinal cord in the neck.

How do spinal cord injuries occur?

There are several ways in which the spinal cord can be damaged, including tumors, multiple sclerosis, and other diseases. However, the most frequent cause of paraplegia and quadriplegia is traumatic injury to the spinal cord, such as:
· Violent jolts.
· Bleeding within the spinal column (the pressure of the fluid can kill spinal cord neurons).
· Tears in the cord.
· Complete severing of the cord.

Most traumatic spinal cord injuries result from one of five types of accidents:
· Automobile accidents, which make up about half of all spinal cord trauma cases.
· Falls, which predominate among elderly people, make up about 20% of all cases.
· Acts of violence, such as gunshot wounds and assault. These make up about 15% of all spinal cord traumas resulting in paralysis.
· Sports injuries, which make up about 14% of all paralytic trauma cases. These injuries are most common in young people, as they occur from diving into shallow water or from contact sports such as football.
· Industrial accidents, which are most common in adults.

How are spinal cord injuries treated?

When spinal cord injuries occur, immediate attention may mitigate the paralytic effects of the injury. Immobilization of the injured area can help to prevent further damage, so temporary splints or stretchers are typically employed. Agents to reduce swelling may be administered so that excess fluid does not put pressure on the spinal cord. Once the exact injury has been determined, surgery may be necessary to remove bone or foreign elements that are adversely affecting the spinal column. Bed rest or long-term immobilization through a harness may also be necessary.

Recovery of lost movement depends greatly on the extent of the nerve damage. Spinal cord injuries are termed either complete or incomplete. Spinal cord injuries are deemed to be incomplete when the nerves to the extremities below the injury are not completely severed; in these cases, the patient may retain some motor function. The injury is considered complete when the body is not receiving signals below the point of injury. Control over paralyzed muscles may return in either case, but the chances are much greater if the injury is incomplete.

Movement and feeling are regained through rehabilitation. Physical therapy strengthens the muscles around the affected area and sometimes returns feeling to the affected muscles. It will also help the patient to use any adaptive devices such as wheelchairs or walkers. Occupational therapy teaches the patient to perform daily activities as independently as possible. Other rehabilitation may include speech therapy, social counseling, or psychological treatment.