A spinal cord injury is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Although some spinal cord injuries may seem minor at first, it is important to know that even minimal swelling, bruising and discomfort may lead to further damage, including loss of mobility or feeling. In fact, the spinal cord does not have to be severed for function to be lost. Many spinal cord injuries are a result of bruising of the spinal cord, compression injuries that induce extreme pressure along the spine, and lacerations or tearing.

Diagnosing a Spinal Cord Injury

Although most spinal cord injuries are obvious due to a variety of patient symptoms, proper diagnosis is essential in successfully treating this type of injury. A thorough physical exam is the first step in diagnosing spinal cord injury, followed by neurological testing, which helps health care providers analyze the effects of the injury. In addition, during the initial evaluation, a patient may be asked to describe his or her symptoms.

The most common symptoms associated with spinal cord injury include:

• Odd body position
• Loss of consciousness
• Pain in the head, neck or back
• Weakness or limited mobility
• Difficulty maintaining balance
• Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of bladder control

To identify the type of spinal cord injury, medical personnel may perform a series of diagnostic tests, including X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and myelography, which involves injecting a medical dye into the spinal cord. These advanced technologies allow physicians to observe all aspects of the spinal cord and detect any abnormalities, including fractures, disc hernia, blood clots, bruises, bleeding, swelling, or nerve damage, as well as the exact location and severity level of the injury. To prevent further damage, the patient’s spine may be immobilized.

Types of Spinal Cord Injury

There are four severity levels affecting different parts of the spine, including cervical (neck), thoracic (behind chest), lumbar (lower back) and sacral (tailbone). Death as a result of spinal cord injury is most common in patients who sustain an injury in the thoracic or chest region, which often obstructs breathing. Damage to sensory nerve fibers may lead to loss of sensation to touch, pressure and temperature. Sometimes reflexes become exaggerated.

Following the initial diagnosis and treatment, spinal cord injury specialists may conduct further neurological testing to monitor the level of the patient’s functional abilities. Neurological testing often involves evaluation of muscle strength, mobility and sensitivity. While some patients may regain some movement or sensation over time, losses present for more than six months are likely to be permanent.

Most individuals who sustain a serious spinal cord injury are permanently bound to a wheelchair or a bed. Others with impaired mobility or incomplete SCI require a variety of assistive devices and/or depend on others to get through their day-to-day activities. The physical, emotional and financial impact of traumatic spinal cord injury is significant.

Spinal Cord Injury: Legal Help

If you sustained spinal cord injury in an auto accident or due to a violent act, medical malpractice, a product defect or fall, you may be able to receive monetary compensation for your injuries.

The Pensacola spinal cord injury lawyers at Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon understand the fundamental importance of compensation owed to you and your family. By working with an experienced lawyers at ES&C, you may be able to obtain compensation to cover medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, legal fees and other expenses associated with your condition.

To learn more about the rights of spinal cord injury victims, please call Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon at 850-444-HURT (4878) and schedule your free consultation.