Christopher Reeve, best known for his role as Superman, suffered a cervical spinal cord injuries that left him wheelchair and ventilator dependent. His injury highlights how much a person’s life can change if they suffer an injury to their spinal cord.
Many different things can lead to a spinal cord injury. For younger people, car crashes are the most common cause. For the elderly, falls are the most common cause. If you suffer a spinal cord injury, you should remember these points:
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Complete Versus Incomplete Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are divided into two categories – complete or incomplete. Typically, a complete injury is much worse than an incomplete one. A complete injury means that all the nerve pathways in the damaged area are completely severed. This doesn’t allow function or sensation below the level of the injury.
An incomplete injury is one in which some nerve pathways in the damaged area are preserved. This can lead to a greater chance of a recovery for the patient. A person with this type of injury will usually have some sense of sensation or movement below the level of the injury.
Spinal Shock
When the spinal cord injury first occurs, the body tries to protect the spinal cord. This can lead to swelling and inflammation. In some cases, the body’s immune system begins to attack the area in an attempt to protect it. This can make the initial days after the spinal cord injury very difficult.
There’s a chance that the way the body is responding to the spinal cord injury will make it appear as though the damage is much greater than it is. As the inflammation in the area goes down, you may notice that you regain some abilities that you initially lost.
Rapid Treatment is Beneficial
A spinal cord injury is a medical emergency. Immobilizing the spinal cord must be a priority. Getting medical care quickly can also increase the chance of a better recovery. In the past, it was thought that patients needed to allow the spinal cord to rest in the first few days after the injury. Now, it is known that starting rehab and treatment as quickly as possible is beneficial for these patients.
Some patients who have a spinal cord injury will need to go through an inpatient rehab program. These can be costly, so victims might opt to pursue a claim for compensation to make it easier for them to cover those costs.
Seek Compensation for Your Spinal Cord Injury
A spinal cord injury is a catastrophic event in your life. When the cause was another person’s negligence, Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers will help you to seek the compensation you deserve. This can help you to recover lost wages, the costs of medical bills, and other expenses that are directly related to the damage you suffered.
Working with a professional who can help you to get your case filed is important because you need to focus on recovering from the injury. In the case of a catastrophic spinal cord injury, this might involve learning how to handle basic functions in a new way.
Also Read: Common causes of spinal injuries
