Among the injuries sustained in a traumatic accident, a spinal injury is one of the most common. The area that is protected by the vertebrae is very sensitive to damage; therefore it really does not take much to injure the gray matter. About fifty percent of the spinal cord damages reported in the United States is caused by an automobile accident. Not only are the symptoms dramatic, it is also one of the most serious injuries to recover from. This type of injury is caused by the vertebrae cutting or even bruising the cord.
Although it is more common to receive the injury during some kind of accident, it can be caused by significant medical reasons. Sometimes during a stroke, the patient will sustain spinal cord damage which sometimes paralyzes the patient and greatly affects their speech. Multiple sclerosis is another medical condition that will often cause damage to the spinal cord.
There are two levels of the cord injuries, what is known as the complete and incomplete injuries. The complete damage to the spinal cord leaves the patient paralyzed, unable to move or speak. The spinal cord controls motor skills, therefore when it becomes damaged, it can often have dramatic effects. A patient that has incomplete damage to the spinal cord will often be able to move some parts of the body.
The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae. Within the vertebrae, there are many nerves that control the motor skills of the body. They carry signals from the brain to the rest of the body which help us with our everyday activities such as walking, running or moving our arms. Vertebrae are positioned from the base of the skull to the top of the hips.
There are usually many complications that occur when spinal damage is present. This type of injury will have life long effects to the person who has suffered an injury such as this. Some of the complications include osteoporosis, cardio vascular disease, and pneumonia. Most of the complications are life threatening and are a direct result from the injury.
The patients and their families of spinal cord damage often have a really hard time adjusting to the situation. Sometimes the damage is so severe; it causes the patient to be paralyzed for the rest of their life, never to recover.
Since most insurance companies do not cover many of the expenses to long term medical care, the families are responsible for either paying someone to do it or do it themselves. Most of the time the latter is chosen, putting the family in emotional and financial stress. Sometimes the patient does recover and can live somewhat of a happy, normal life.
Jo Wilson is an expert in spinal injury claims. If you would like more information about spinal injury claims or are searching for a reputable spinal injury law firm please visit http://personalinjury.ffw.com
Mail this post