Motor vehicle collisions occur every day, often leaving people with serious injuries such as spinal cord injuries. Damage caused to this bundle of nerves and cells that carries signals from the brain to the rest of the body may have life-changing implications.
Understanding some of the changes they will possibly experience as a result of their injuries may help people with SCIs adjust to their conditions.
The primary effects
According to MayoClinic.org, the symptoms experienced due to spinal cord injuries vary based on factors including the severity and level of the injury. People suffer complete or incomplete injuries, causing total or partial loss of sensory and motor function respectively. In addition to paralysis, those with SCIs experience signs such as pain or an intense stinging feeling, loss of bladder or bowel control, and spasms or exaggerated reflexes.
The potential complications
Changes in their body functions due to spinal cord damage also sometimes cause secondary complications for people living with SCIs. According to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, the potential complications people may experience due to spinal cord injuries include the following:
- Autonomic dysreflexia
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Pressure sores
- Pneumonia
- Urinary tract infections
When such conditions develop, people living with SCIs must seek medical treatment right away to help prevent potentially worsened conditions or death.
Beyond the emergent treatment they require, those with spinal cord injuries often need lifelong care, which may carry significant costs. Those who suffer their injuries in auto accidents may consider pursuing options to recover damages to provide them the financial support they need and deserve.
