What Are The Main Effects of Spinal Cord Injuries?
Approximately 17,000 people in the U.S. suffer a spinal cord injury (SCI) yearly. In most cases, people sustain SCIs due to motor vehicle crashes. Others sustain SCIs due to falls, violence, sports injuries, and medical or surgical causes. A spinal cord injury can drastically change not only your life but your loved ones’ lives as well because, unfortunately, there is currently no treatment to reverse or cure a damaged spinal cord. However, proper treatment, which is immensely costly, can help ease and manage its negative effects.
At Mark C. Tanenbaum, P.A., our Charleston, SC, spinal cord injury attorneys are committed to ensuring that injured victims recover maximum compensation for all the losses they incurred due to a spinal cord injury.
What Happens If You Suffer a Spinal Cord Injury?
Depending on the specific location and severity of the SCI, injured victims can experience complete or partial paralysis, which includes respiratory muscle functions. It’s also vital to note that your spinal cord doesn’t have to be completely severed for you to become paralyzed. An inflamed, bruised, or compressed spinal cord can also lead to paralysis.
A spinal cord injury also comes with an increased risk of complications, including these potentially fatal or debilitating secondary health issues:
- Loss of bowel control
- Loss of bladder control increases the risk of kidney infections, urinary tract infections, and bladder or kidney stones.
- Chronic pain can occur in people with incomplete SCIs.
- Increased risk of developing pressure sores or injuries.
- If your SCI impacts your chest and stomach muscles, you may find it difficult to cough and breathe. If it impacts your chest and neck muscles, you may have an increased risk of developing lung conditions, such as pneumonia.
- Some people with an SCI may experience low blood pressure and have swollen legs and arms, which increases their risk of getting blood clots, including a pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Others may have an increased risk of experiencing autonomic dysreflexia, which is a potentially fatal rise in blood pressure.
- Some people may have spasticity, which refers to rigid or stiff muscles, while others may have flaccidity, which refers to limp and soft muscles that lack normal muscle tone.
- Increased risk of developing fractures below the injury site and osteoporosis.
- Sexual dysfunction, including changes in ejaculation, erection, or lubrication.
- Limited mobility results in a sedentary lifestyle and causes muscle thinning, unhealthy weight loss or weight gain, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
It is also common for people suffering from SCI to develop depression and other psychological issues, which further impact their overall health and functional improvements.
Consult With an Experienced Charleston, SC, Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Today
The Charleston, SC, spinal cord injury attorneys at Mark C. Tanenbaum, P.A., have successfully handled complex spinal cord injury claims and recovered full compensation for those whose lives have changed because of their injury. Our Charleston, SC, spinal cord injury attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure that all your damages are accounted for so you can receive the maximum compensation amount you are entitled to under the law.
Give us a call at 843-577-5100 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.