Victims of auto accidents sometimes have to contend with mild to serious spinal cord injuries. If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident you might be wondering about the symptoms of spinal cord injury and what you can expect as far as treatment.
Spinal cord injuries can be very serious and can affect you for the rest of your life. If you believe that your spinal cord was injured in a motor vehicle crash, it could be worth your while to speak with an attorney. Not only do you have to worry about medical bills for immediate treatment of the injury, but you could be facing future rehabilitation costs and limitations as to the kind of work and leisure activities in which you can participate.
Symptoms of spinal cord injury
The symptoms of spinal cord injury depend on what part of the spinal cord was damaged and on the severity of the damage. For example, if you experience a serious spinal cord injury at the neck level, you could suffer from paralysis from the neck down. On the other hand, if you suffer a minor injury to the lower part of your spinal cord you might just experience restricted movement on that side of your lower body.
Symptoms of spinal cord injury include:
· Trouble maintaining balance or walking
· Feelings of pain or an intense stinging sensation in part of your body
· A loss of movement
· The loss of sensation (this includes being able to sense heat, cold and touch)
· Loss of bowel or bladder control
· Exaggerated reflex activities or spasms
· Changes in sexual function, sexual sensitivity and fertility
· Coughing or difficulty clearing your lungs; difficulty breathing
· Fading in and out of consciousness
Treatment for spinal cord injury
Spinal cord injuries caused by car accidents are so serious because there is no way to reverse the damage to your spinal cord. Researchers are working on ways to better treat injury victims, but until a cure for spinal cord injury is found treatment focuses on helping victims learn to live with their new limitations.
There are a variety of treatments available, some aimed at lessening pain and some aimed at rehabilitation. Treatments can include:
· Medication: corticosteroids given within eight hours of injury may reduce damage to nerve cells by reducing inflammation. Medication can also be used as ongoing treatment to control the signs, symptoms, and complications of an injury.
· Immobilization: traction can help stabilize your spine, properly aligning it so you can heal correctly.
· Surgery: emergency surgery is necessary when bone fragments, foreign objects, or other problems are compromising the spine. Further surgery may be needed to stabilize the spine and prevent future problems.
· Physical therapy: physical therapy can help spinal cord injury victims achieve as much independence and mobility as their injury allows. Therapy may be needed to refine fine-motor skills, increase limb strength, learn adaptive techniques, and more.
Spinal cord injury can happen to anyone after a serious car or truck accident in Virginia. If you need help after a crash, please contact the attorneys at the Northern Virginia law firm Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas to discuss your case for no cost or obligation.
DULANEY, LAUER & THOMAS, LLP
Warrenton Office
98 Alexandria Pike, Suite 11
Warrenton, VA 20186
Toll Free: 888.907.2631
Local: 540.349.2631
Culpeper Office
209 N. West Street
Culpeper, VA 22701
Toll Free: 800.741.1012
Local: 540.825.6046
