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| Spinal Injury: Damage Can Be Irreparable |
| Written by Matthew Kerridge |
| Tuesday, 08 December 2009 09:23 |
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Spinal injury does not necessarily entail injury to the spinal cord. It can describe any injury to the spine, such as a whiplash that can result in spinal injury that is temporary. When the spinal cord is involved, the resulting injuries are more serious and, in some cases, the damage is beyond repair.
Spinal injury does not necessarily entail injury to the spinal cord. It can describe any injury to the spine, such as a whiplash that can result in spinal injury that is temporary. When the spinal cord is involved, the resulting injuries are more serious and, in some cases, the damage is beyond repair. Injuries to the spine can happen different ways. They can be from tumors, diseases or from developmental problems. Often, the injury is traumatic, resulting from work-related or automobile accidents. The trauma may be only to the vertebrae initially, which is why it is critical not to move a person with neck or back injuries. This movement itself can cause injury to the spinal cord. Signals are sent to and from the brain through the spinal cord. Because of this, the symptoms of spinal cord injury are dependent on where it occurs. Injuries to the spine can be classified as either being complete or incomplete. Those injuries which are complete sustain loss of motor and sensory functions below the level of injury. Victims of this type of injury rarely recover ability to move themselves. Those which are incomplete retain some sensory and/or motor function below the level of injury. Victims of this type of injury usually recover some ability for movement, however, this may not include being able to walk without aid. Other bodily functions are affected by spinal cord injury besides mobility. The nerves coming off the spinal column travel to the different organs in the body. Injury to the spinal cord can affect organ function below the injury level. For example, cervical level injuries can effect breathing, so much so that the person sometimes needs respiratory aids. Other level injuries may affect organs such as the kidneys, the gall bladder, bowels and bladder. Incontinence and infection are common after injuries to the spine, as is penile dysfunction. Among the other effects of spinal injury can be pain, muscle atrophy and reflex spasticity. Motor function, such as mobility, is generally affects as previously discussed. Injuries to the spinal cord can result in the person becoming paraplegic or quadriplegic. At the initial time of the injury, there will be inflammation present. Once the inflammation is reduced, a more accurate diagnosis and prognosis and be determined. Those patients with spinal injuries which are incomplete may regain partial mobility but, even with these, complete mobility is rare. One should always be examined immediately falling any type of accident. Injuries which do not seem severe at the time, may worse over time. For example, injuries to the spinal vertebrae could end up causing spinal injury of the cord. About the Author: Matthew Kerridge is an expert in spinal injury claims. If you would like more information about spinal injury or are looking for a reputable spinal injury law firm please visit http://personalinjury.ffw.com |