Car crashes and many other types of accidents can lead to spinal cord injuries that can lead to life-altering effects. These injuries can range from bruising that heals over time to permanent damage.
Anyone who has a spinal cord injury and those who are supporting someone with this type of injury should learn what they can about them. These three things may be a good place to start.
1: Spinal shock can make the injury appear worse
Spinal shock occurs when the body’s natural defenses try to protect the spinal cord at the site of the injury. This causes inflammation, which can have negative effects on the body below the level of the damage. Spinal shock can make the effects of the injury appear worse at first, but as time passes, the effects of it should abate.
2: Complete and incomplete injuries are much different
A complete injury occurs when the nerves are totally severed at the site of the injury. An incomplete injury occurs when at least some of the nerves remain connected. Typically, an incomplete injury has a better chance of recovery than a complete injury.
3: Long-term care is often necessary and costly
Long-term care after a spinal cord injury is often necessary. Catastrophic injuries, such as those that lead to paralysis, will require life-long care. Modifications to the home and vehicle may also be necessary.
Victims of spinal cord injuries often face a long road to recovery and considerable costs along the way. They may opt to seek compensation through a personal injury claim if the incident that led to their injury was the result of another person’s negligence.