Spinal Cord Injuries

    MT.LAUREL, NJ, April 17, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Hundreds of thousands of people live with the effects of spinal cord injuries in the United States. In fact, it is estimated that there are nearly 400,000 spinal cord injury victims who experience a wide range of symptoms, from mild discomforts to serious mobility limitations.

Why are spinal cord injuries so devastating?

The spinal cord is a vital component of the human body. As part of the central nervous system, the spinal cord and its nerve fibers help carry messages from the brain to the rest of the body, allowing people to think, move, feel, breathe and generally function in a "normal" capacity.

When the spinal cord is injured, the flow of information to the brain can become distorted or even stopped. The actual location of the injury site on the spine is very important in determining how severe the spinal cord injury will be to the victim. Body functions below the injury site will be adversely affected, while those above the site are generally spared any harm. In short, the higher the spinal injury is on the body, the worse the prognosis.

Are there varying degrees of spinal cord injury?

Yes. A spinal cord injury can be complete or partial, leaving the victim with a wide range of symptoms.

-Complete spinal cord injury: There is a complete loss of movement and sensation (paralysis) below the injury site. This can occur whether or not the spinal cord is actually severed.
-Partial spinal cord injury: Only partial loss of movement or sensation occurs below the injury site.

Besides paralysis, what are other spinal cord injury symptoms?

Spinal cord injuries can have overwhelming and upsetting effects on the victim. Completing even daily tasks can become difficult and even impossible when the victim suffers from symptoms such as:
-Pain
-Coordination loss
-Difficulty breathing
-Loss of bladder of bowel control
-Loss of full movement or sensation
-Sexual changes or limitations
-Spasms

What can cause a spinal cord injury?

Any trauma or blow to the spinal cord can result in potentially serious consequences. However, even internal forces within the body can damage the spinal cord. Some of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries include:
-Motor vehicle accidents: The leading cause of spinal cord injuries, accounting for as much as 50% of all such injuries.
-Violent acts: Unfortunate encounters with guns and knives can result in injury to the spinal cord.
-Disease: Situations such as cancer, arthritis, infections and inflammation can wreak havoc on the spinal cord.
-Slips and falls: The elderly and children are at a higher risk for these accidents.
-Sports-related accidents: Diving into unknown depths, contact sports and even trampoline falls can be devastating.

Much like traumatic brain injury, the effects of spinal cord injuries on the victims as well as their families can make rehabilitation a stressful and financially difficult task. When the injury is caused by negligence of another person, physician, company or medical facility, the victim has the right to seek compensation for damages.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a spinal cord injury that could have been prevented, please visit the website of New Jersey and Philadelphia spinal cord injury lawyers Weiss & Paarz, P.C. today to learn more about your rights. A free spinal cord injury consultation will help you determine if you have a case.

Source: Weiss & Paarz, P.C.
Website: http://www.njmedlaw.com

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