Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are one of the most severe and life-changing types of injuries someone can experience.

The spinal cord plays a critical role in controlling movement and transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

When it is damaged, the consequences can be catastrophic, affecting various bodily functions.

From minor issues like temporary numbness to severe conditions such as quadriplegia injury, the impact can be profound. Here are key statistics about spinal cord injuries:

Understanding spinal cord injury, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options, is essential for those affected or at risk.

Understanding Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord—a bundle of nerves that runs down the center of your back—is damaged.

This can happen from a direct injury to the spine, such as a crushing injury from a car accident or a fall, or due to underlying conditions like herniated discs.

What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury involves damage to the spinal cord, which can result in nerve damage and the loss of movement and sensation.

The extent of injury depends on where the spinal cord is damaged and how severe the trauma is.

Incomplete injuries allow some movement and sensation below the injury, while complete injuries result in total loss of function.

The ability to walk, feel, and even breathe can be affected—making it one of the most serious forms of injury.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can be categorized based on the location and severity of the injury. The two primary types are:

• Complete injuries: This means that all function below the injured area is lost. For instance, a complete injury to the neck can cause quadriplegia injury, affecting all four limbs.
• Incomplete injuries: Some function below the injury is retained. For example, a person with a back injury may still have partial movement in their legs.

How Spinal Cord Injuries Impact the Body

The spinal cord is responsible for transmitting signals between your brain and the rest of your body.

A spinal cord injury interrupts this pathway, causing serious disruptions in body functions.

Damage to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis, loss of sensation, or even difficulty breathing, depending on the severity and location of the injury.

For instance, injuries to the neck (cervical spine) can result in quadriplegia, while injuries lower in the back (lumbar spine) may only affect the legs.

If you or a loved one have suffered a spinal cord injury due to an accident, it’s important to seek legal advice.

Sutliff & Stout can help ensure you get the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and long-term care.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

A variety of incidents can cause spinal cord injuries. The most common causes include:

• Car accidents
• Falls
• Sports injuries
• Acts of violence

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Spinal Cord Injury

Recognizing the symptoms of a spinal cord injury is crucial for immediate treatment and effective management of the condition.

The symptoms vary based on the location and severity of the injury but generally involve loss of function, sensation, and other bodily control.

Diagnosing a spinal cord injury requires detailed medical evaluations, including imaging scans and neurological assessments, to understand the extent of the damage and to plan for the appropriate treatment.

Common Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injury

The symptoms of a spinal cord injury can manifest in many ways, depending on the severity and location of the injury. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Loss of movement
• Loss of sensation
• Loss of bladder or bowel control

Spinal cord injuries can also lead to chronic pain, changes in sexual function, and intense stinging or tingling sensations due to nerve damage.

In some cases, breathing difficulties can occur if the injury is high up in the spinal cord, affecting the muscles that control respiration.

Emergency Symptoms

In the immediate aftermath of an accident, several emergency symptoms may indicate a spinal cord injury. These include:

• Severe back pain or pressure in the neck, head, or back.
• Weakness or inability to control movement in any part of the body, such as the legs or arms.
• Numbness or tingling sensations in the hands, feet, or extremities.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control, particularly if it occurs suddenly.
• Difficulty breathing, which may require emergency medical intervention if chest muscles are affected.

If any of these symptoms appear after a fall, vehicle accident, or other traumatic event, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention to prevent further damage.

Diagnosing a Spinal Cord Injury

Diagnosing a spinal cord injury involves a series of tests and evaluations to determine the extent and type of damage. The process typically includes:

• Imaging tests: Doctors will usually order an MRI or CT scan to get a detailed image of the spine. These tests help identify herniated discs, broken bones, or areas where the spinal cord may be compressed or damaged.
• Neurological exams: Doctors use these tests to assess muscle strength and sensory function below the injury site. This helps determine whether the injury is complete (total loss of function) or incomplete (partial loss of function).

Early diagnosis is critical in spinal cord injuries to minimize long-term damage. The faster the injury is identified, the sooner doctors can begin treatment to reduce swelling, prevent further damage, and stabilize the spine.

Insurance, Legal Considerations, and Statute of Limitations

Dealing with the financial and legal aspects of a spinal cord injury is often complex.

Between medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and long-term care, understanding insurance coverage and legal rights is essential.

Knowing the statute of limitations for filing a claim is also critical in ensuring timely action.

Insurance

Health insurance typically covers immediate costs like surgeries and hospital stays but may fall short when it comes to long-term care and rehabilitation.

Workers’ compensation may provide additional support if the injury occurred on the job, while disability insurance can offer income replacement during recovery.

Understanding your policy’s limits and seeking help to maximize coverage is crucial in reducing the financial burden.

Legal Rights

If a spinal cord injury was caused by negligence—such as a car accident or unsafe conditions—a personal injury claim can help cover medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Acting quickly to gather evidence and pursue a claim improves your chances of a successful outcome.

A legal professional can assist in ensuring you receive fair compensation.

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations varies by state. In Texas, you typically have two years from the injury date to file a claim.

Missing this window could mean losing the right to seek compensation.

It’s vital to act promptly and consult with a lawyer to ensure your case is filed within the required timeframe.

How Sutliff & Stout Can Help

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, it’s important to seek both medical and legal support to ensure your rights are protected.

Sutliff & Stout is here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

Call (713) 405-1263 today to discuss your case and take the first step toward securing your future.