Common Spinal Cord Injuries Caused by Car Accidents

By Car Accident Help on June 22, 2016 | Posted in: Car Accident Injury

The spinal cord is a delicate bundle of nerves that’s strung down through the inside of the backbone. It plays a pivotal part in connecting to the brain stem and carrying important messages to different parts of the body. Because of the major role it plays in our daily life, spinal cord injuries can be tragic, painful, and costly.

Spinal cord injuries are far from uncommon in the medical world. With roughly 8,000 new cases diagnosed each year; spinal cord injuries make up a serious fraction of the debilitating injuries suffered in America. Most spinal cord injuries occur in young people, and the majority of these injuries are caused by car and motorcycle accidents. As the spinal cord is responsible for controlling so much of the body’s movement, damage to it can have serious consequences. Complete loss of mobility, or paralysis, as well as death can all result from an injured spinal cord.

Of the roughly 8,000 people who suffer spinal cord injuries each year, it is estimated that half are caused by car accidents. Car accidents that damage the spinal cord can have any number of the following conditions as a result:

• Quadriplegia: Usually brought on by an injury to the neck, this condition can impair a person’s ability to breathe as well as have paralyzing effects on their arms, legs, and torso.
• Paraplegia: Typically brought on by injuries sustained in the lower back, paraplegia can cause loss of feeling and immobility in lower parts of the body.

A fully severed spinal cord cannot be repaired. However, recovery is possible when the damage is less extensive. The symptoms of spinal cord injuries can include tingling, poor coordination, weakness, numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, and severe pain. Any trauma that puts serious pressure on or manipulates the position of your spinal cord can be a spinal cord injury. Spinal cord injuries can also be the result of blood clots, polio, spina bifida, or certain inherited disorders.

If you or someone you know suspects that they have suffered a spinal cord injury, it is recommended that they first contact a medical professional and organize a CT scan or MRI to diagnose the issue. Some treatment plans focus on stabilization of the spine and drugs to limit the damage, while surgery remains a possible remedy for others.

If you have questions about receiving compensation for damages caused by a spinal cord injury, or any other questions regarding traffic or medical law, please contact Car Accident Help today. We can be reached at (877) 478-3737.