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Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) rank among the worst medical conditions as they inflict both physical and emotional trauma. Ever since the injury occurred and has been aggravated by other factors, it is the magnitude of this anguish that is beyond the ability of those who have not undergone such an injury to fully appreciate and understand.
Medical reports have shown that spinal cords are prone to injuries and to sprains, hence any form of injury, no matter how small, is likely to turn out to be catastrophic if considered and not dealt with promptly. More often than not, such minor injuries have been reported to bring out secondary disorders of movement, sensations, and even reflexes highlighting the importance of complex human health and more specifically the spinal cord.
The Importance of the Spinal Cord
The spinal cord allows two-way communication: the inward transmission of sensations from various parts of the body to the brain and command transmission through the brain to different parts of the body for purposes of different operations. Amongst this exchange of information is information that is necessary for physical activity as well as cognitive activities.
This process is not only functional but is so critical that when the spinal cord is compromised, everything goes haywire, including the transmission of information that brings about functionalities that are beyond restoration. Various activities such as movement, regulation of behavior, and elimination of waste through the bladder, among other activities, can be noted, which may be helpful in reducing the focus on peripheral areas and establishing a working definition of the spinal cord.
Injuries to the spinal cord almost always result not only in health complications but also in economic hardships. Therapeutic procedures – surgery or even a regular course of medical care – can require substantial financial resources. Legal representatives such as a New York City slip and fall lawyer explain that this is the reason many back pain patients sue for reimbursement of their policies: “chronic” spinal pain, to use their words.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Damage to the spinal cord may arise in various frames and has an equally wide range of causes. Common sources of SCIs include:
- Sports Injuries: These are common in competitive games like rugby and gymnastics which makes them prone to complications.
- Vehicle Accidents: It is one of the leading causes of spinal cord injury after road traffic
- Slip and Fall Incidents: Such common occurrences as slipping on a wet floor can cause serious damage to the spine.
- Violence: Gunshot injuries, violent fights can give severe injuries to cord.
- Diving Accidents: When an individual dives into water and hits the surface of the pool in shallow water the diving injuries occur.
Admitting these risks as necessary in knowledge is important for prevention.
Classification of Spinal Cord Injuries
The categorization of Spinal Cord injury has multiple levels with varying prospective outcomes. Some of the more prevalent types are as follows:
- Tetraplegia: This is the most severe type of spinal cord injury often due to cervical spine injury. It may lead to the paralysis of almost all limbs and functions including the bodily system which has a huge negative impact on the person’s life.
- Paraplegia: This condition is caused due to injuries sustained lower in the spinal cord and hence both sensation and movement in the lower body gets lost.
- Triplegia: Usually originating from partial spinal cord injuries, triplegia causes motor disability in 3 limbs due to various factors.
- Central Cord Syndrome, Brown-Sequard Syndrome, and Anterior Cord Syndrome: These are also types of spinal cord injuries but have different signs and problems.
Aside from traumatic injuries,there are other medical conditions that do not result from direct trauma to an injury such as, multiple sclerosis, inflammation of the spinal cord, arthritis, or cancer to the spinal cord. These conditions may end up causing disabilities which are further complicated by the seeking of treatment on a regular basis.
The Road To Recovery
In addition to treatment, a person who has sustained a SCI may need long-term facilities and diagnostic procedures and may need to undergo surgery multiple times. These patients have to embark on a rather arduous physical and emotional journey. These patients attract depression, anxiety and distress as they gradually adapt to the new life changes.
Considering how massive these medical bills could be, not to forget loss of income due to incapacity to work, it is only prudent that persons involved in SCIs see a lawyer. They assist in finding a settlement for the other party, thus easing some of the expenses involved in the recovery process.
In any unfortunate situation, if there is someone around you or you yourself has suffered from spinal cord injury due to an accident, in that case, a personal injury attorney should be contacted immediately. Most legal practitioners will evaluate your accident case for free and help you navigate the often time-consuming process of getting compensated for your losses.
The Benefits of Legal Support
There are very many benefits that one gets when hiring a lawyer. Legal professionals are well-versed in spinal cord injury cases and are capable of protecting your interests. They can assist in augmenting medical records, dealing with insurance providers, or standing by you in a court of law, if required. Thanks to them, you are able to direct your energies to healing, knowing that your legal rights and finances are in safe hands.
Applying the information provided above, it is apparent that spinal cord injury is greater than a physical disability and has to be managed through comprehensive rehabilitation strategies. After furnishing proprioceptors with the causes of such injuries and the extended consequences accompanying such injuries along with the role of laws in such cases, people could successfully eradicate obstacles and reconnect with their desired lifestyles.