Motor vehicle crashes account for almost half of all spinal cord injuries in the U.S. every year.
The level of recovery depends on the location and severity of an injury. SCI treatment can become extremely expensive and can last for a lifetime.
About SCI
The spinal cord carries impulses from the brain to other parts of the body. An injury that occurs to any part of the spinal cord can cause either temporary or permanent damage and disrupt this important function.
The diagnosis
There are two types of spinal cord injury. A complete SCI will cause the loss of all feeling below the site of the injury, while with an incomplete SCI, some feeling and the ability to function remains. Keep in mind that spinal cord injury is not always recognizable immediately following a vehicle crash. In addition to potential loss of mobility, symptoms might include the altered sensation of heat or cold, issues with breathing and coughing, loss of bladder or bowel control or even digestive problems. This is why prompt medical attention is essential. A doctor will conduct a physical examination and order imaging tests such as a CT scan, an MRI and a myelogram, which is an x-ray of the spine. Once a diagnosis is available, treatment can begin.
Hope for recovery
Currently, doctors have no way of reversing spinal cord damage, although ongoing research shows encouraging results. Meanwhile, spinal cord injury can affect your life in many ways. Among the goals of rehabilitation are to help restore basic bodily functions and to assist with the promotion of nerve cell regeneration. Medical expenses can mount swiftly. However, if your SCI results from a crash caused by a negligent driver, you have the right to expect full and fair compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost wages and more.
