If you've recently been in a traumatic incident, it’s possible you've sustained a spinal cord injury. The following are some of the most prevalent causes of spinal cord injury (in order of frequency):
- Accidents involving motor vehicles crashes
- Sports-related injuries
- Complications from surgery
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, the most recent estimate of the annual incidence of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) in the United States is roughly 54 instances per one million persons. This equates to approximately 18,000 new SCI cases each year. These are often the most serious and recognizable spinal cord injuries, rather than the more prevalent spinal disc injuries.
When spinal cord injury symptoms begin to manifest, you will notice a significant impact on every aspect of your life. You may experience psychological, emotional, and social consequences due to your injury.
What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
The spinal cord is a crucial part of the nervous system, and it is surrounded and protected by layers of tissue and vertebrae. It transmits messages from the brain to the rest of the body, allowing us to feel pain and move our limbs.
A spinal cord injury occurs when there is damage to any part of the spinal cord or the nerves at the end of the spinal canal. A quick, severe blow to the vertebrae causes most spinal cord injuries, including nerves, due to the fractured (broken) bones. An injury can also sever or split the spinal cord in rare situations.
Damage to the spinal cord can disrupt the flow of nerve impulses, causing loss of sensation. A spinal cord injury closer to the neck usually results in paralysis affecting a wider portion of the body than one in the lower back.
Signs of a Spinal Cord Injury
The signs of a spinal cord injury differ from person to person. However, if any of the following symptoms appear after an accident or injury, seek immediate medical attention:
- Strong headache, neck, or back pain
- Weakness or inability to move
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty with balance and coordination
- Tingling or numbness in the extremities
- Bladder or bowel control problems
- Muscle spasms
- Exaggerated reflexes, and
- Changes in sexual function
Whether you are suffering from spinal cord injury symptoms or have already been diagnosed after an accident, it's best to seek legal representation.
At Whalen Injury Lawyers, as accomplished trial attorneys and leaders in Personal Injury Law, we strive to achieve the best results for our clients in Colorado Civil Practice. We aim to protect our customers against insurance companies and corporations in personal injury situations.
With more than a decade of experience at one of the largest personal injury firms in the West, our team of Colorado Personal Injury Attorneys has an exceptional record of achieving judgements, settlements and verdicts worth over $50 million. Contact us today to receive the medical treatment you require, the verdict, settlement or judgment that you deserve, and the representation your families can count on.
