Spinal cord injuries are life-altering conditions that an individual can experience because of a car wreck. The spinal cord facilitates communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Damage to this vital structure can disrupt these signals, leading to a loss of function and sensation.
Understanding the nature of a spinal cord injury is important, as this information determines treatment approaches and long-term management and rehabilitation prospects.
Impact of the injury level
The effects the spinal cord injury has on the body is always below the level of the damaged area. Injuries higher up in the spinal cord, such as in the cervical region, can result in quadriplegia, affecting all four limbs. Lower injuries, such as in the thoracic or lumbar regions, may result in paraplegia, affecting the lower part of the body.
Complete and incomplete spinal cord injuries
A complete spinal cord injury results in a total loss of sensory and motor functions below the injury level. This means no signals can pass through the damaged area, leading to a complete loss of movement and sensation.
An incomplete injury implies some level of function or sensation remains below the injury site. The extent and nature of these functions can vary widely, influenced by the degree and location of the spinal cord damage.
Nature of spinal shock
Spinal shock is a temporary but critical condition that occurs immediately after an injury. It can initially mask the true extent of damage and can last days to weeks. During this time the spinal cord’s response to the injury evolves, further complicating an initial assessment and treatment plan.
Victims of spinal cord injuries need immediate medical care, which can be costly. Seeking compensation from a negligent party who caused the injury in question can help them to recover the financial damages related to their condition. As a result, seeking legal guidance after sustaining harm is generally wise.