Spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to any part of the spinal cord or cells at the end of the spinal canal. Injury to the spinal cord often leads to permanent damage to the body functions below the area of injury, often causing changes in strength and sensation. If you have recently experienced a spinal cord injury, you might feel like every aspect of your life will be affected.

Causes

SCI is often caused by a traumatic event leading to damage of nerve tracts relaying signals up and down the spine. Most common types of spinal cord injury include compression, which is caused by pressure on the spinal cord and bruising of the spinal cord, also known as contusion. Other types of injuries include central cord syndrome (specific damage to the spinal tracts of the cervical region) and lacerations on some nerve fibers.

Causes of SCI vary but may include:

• Car accidents
• Slip and fall
• Extreme twisting of the trunk

Signs and Symptoms

Severe SCI causes loss in control of body muscles and voluntary movement. It also affects autonomic responses, such as breathing, bladder and bowel control. Other symptoms, such as sexual dysfunction, sensitivity to stimuli and pain develop over time. Secondary medical conditions such as bed sores, lung and bladder infections are also common among patients of a spinal cord injury.

Finding help

Since SCI is life altering, you need a firm that understands your immediate goals after going through such trauma. You need to discuss your situation with a team of injury lawyers that has experience in Salt Lake City and West Valley City, Utah. To ensure you will not suffer financially through lost wages, the firm will make sure your insurance company pays for future treatments and your medical bills are paid. Experienced personal injury lawyers will work with all involved parties to ensure that your needs are handled promptly and appropriately.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Myelogram, MRI or CT scan may be used as diagnostic tools if SCI is suspected. Immediate treatment involves use of corticosteroid drugs, which limit damage. Long-term treatment involves rehabilitation therapy. For continued treatment psychological counseling, occupational therapy and nutritional management might be included.

A personal injury lawyer can help you if you or a family member has suffered a spinal cord injury.