What Raises Suspicion of a Complete Spinal Cord Injury?

Colburn Law

Posted in Blog,Spinal Cord Injury on April 22, 2024

Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe and life-altering injuries anyone can face. They are serious not only because of the immediate physical implications but also due to the profound and long-term impacts they can have on a victim’s life.

Complete spinal cord injuries, in particular, can be very devastating. These injuries often lead to permanent disability, significant changes to daily living, and enduring pain. Prompt treatment and early recognition of the signs can help victims seek the care and support that they deserve.

Difference Between Complete and Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries

A complete spinal cord injury results in a total loss of function below the level of the injury, meaning there is no sensation or voluntary movement. This type of injury often results from a complete severing of the spinal cord, which prevents nerve signals from being sent or received past the point of injury.

On the other hand, an incomplete spinal cord injury involves partial damage to the spinal cord. With this type of injury, patients may be able to move one limb more than another, have more functioning on one side of the body than the other, or have some sensation in parts of the body that cannot move.

Symptoms of Complete Spinal Cord Injuries

After suffering a spinal cord injury, the steps that you take after the incident can significantly influence your recovery. Early diagnosis and treatment can potentially mitigate further complications. If you experience any signs of a complete spinal cord injury, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Here are some key symptoms:

• Muscle Weakness: Patients with complete spinal cord injuries often experience profound muscle weakness or total paralysis. This weakness is due to the interruption of nerve signals that are essential for muscle activation and control.
• Loss of Voluntary Muscle Movement in the Chest, Arms, or Legs: With a complete spinal cord injury, the patient cannot move the affected regions at will. This paralysis typically impacts all areas below the injury level and can greatly affect daily life, requiring adaptations for mobility and care.
• Breathing Problems: Respiratory issues often arise because the nerves controlling the diaphragm and other breathing muscles are damaged. Patients may require mechanical ventilation or other interventions to aid breathing, especially if the injury affects the cervical area of the spine.
• Loss of Feeling in the Chest, Arms, or Legs: Sensory loss often accompanies motor function loss. This means that patients cannot process touch, temperature, or pain, which poses additional risks of injury or burns without the person realizing it.
• Loss of Bowel and Bladder Function: Many patients lose control over their bowel and bladder functions and they may require alternative methods for waste elimination. They often need ongoing medical support and find themselves unable to retain the same level of independence that they previously enjoyed.

What To Do If You Have A Complete Spinal Cord Injury

If you were involved in an accident that led to this type of damage, you have the right to pursue legal action against the person responsible.

By filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, you can secure the compensation that you need to cover your medical bills, ongoing care, and lost wages, as well as the pain and suffering that you endured.

A Bellevue personal injury lawyer from Colburn Law can represent your interests during these claims and fight for your right to fair compensation. After seeking medical care for your injury, contact an attorney to discuss your case and explore all potential avenues to compensation.