People get into accidents every day while driving on busy streets or freeways. Too often drivers are not paying attention on the road or choose to drive without regard for the safety of other drivers and pedestrians around them. Dangerous driving behaviors such as street racing, speeding, or improper turns can result in severe accidents that cause serious injury to victims, such as spinal cord injuries. Car accidents are some of the most common causes of injuries that affect the spine, due to the nature of the accident, speed, and area of impact. Here are common spinal cord injuries that car accident victims suffer from.
What are the effects of a serious spinal cord injury?
The spinal cord is a key part of the nervous system and contains nerves that connect to the brain. It is involved in motor function, processing nerve signals, and is integral for sending messages between the brain and body. If this is disrupted and damaged, it can result in a lack or loss of sensation, strength, and mobility.
What are the common types of spinal cord injuries?
A victim involved in a devastating car accident can sustain a variety of spinal cord injuries. Factors like speed and impact area tend to result in excessive trauma, leading to more severe injuries. Such injuries are some of the most life-changing types of car accident injuries because of lasting effects on a person’s mobility and temporary or permanent paralysis. Unlike spinal fractures which can heal fairly quickly, the spinal cord is much more delicate, and injuries require specialized long-term care and treatment. Some common types of spinal cord injuries include:
- Complete. These are the most severe types of spinal cord injury. The brain is unable to send signals and receive messages below the injury area, resulting in conditions such as paraplegia or quadriplegia.
- Incomplete. Incomplete spinal cord injuries refer to injuries where the ability to transmit messages to the brain is diminished but not completely eliminated. Resulting conditions include reduced sensation and movement.
What are symptoms of a spinal cord injury?
The symptoms of a spinal cord injury can vary depending on the person and nature of their condition. Common spinal cord injury symptoms include:
- Paralysis
- Chronic pain (nerve or muscle)
- Headaches
- Loss of sensation
- Reduced mobility
- Pneumonia
- Issues with bladder function
A personal injury lawyer such as one from David & Philpot, P.L. understands how to help victims recover the needed compensation that they deserve. Contact one today to schedule a consultation.