Spinal cord injuries cause permanent, life-altering changes for an accident victim and his or her family. Spinal cord injuries are the result of damage to the spinal cord itself or to the vertebrae, ligaments or disks of the spinal column. Most of the spinal cord injuries I see are the result of a traumatic blow to the spine that crushes, dislocates, compresses or fractures one or more of the vertebrae. It can also result from an object penetrating the spinal column and cutting the spinal cord.
Over 40% of spinal cord injuries are due to automobile accidents and motorcycle accidents making them the leading cause of spinal cord injuries in America. The second leading cause of spinal cord injuries are associated with a slip and fall accidents, which account for more than 25% of all spinal cord injuries each year.
Treatments for Spinal Cord Injuries
Even with all the research and advancements in the medical field, there is still no way to reverse damage done to the spinal cord. At this time, the treatments for spinal cord injuries focus on preventing further injury and helping victims return to as active and productive life as possible. Some current treatments for spinal cord injuries include:
- Methylprednisolone (Medrol) medication, if administered within eight hours of the injury, has shown slight improvement in some patients. The medication appears to work by reducing the damage to the near cells and decreasing inflammation near the injury. Other medications may be used in the months and years ahead to help control pain and muscle spasticity as well as help improve bodily functions negatively affected by the spinal cord injury.
- Immobilization may help to stabilize the spine and bring it back into proper alignment.
- Surgery may be necessary depending on the type of injury to remove fractured vertebrae, foreign objects, fragments of bone and herniated disks. Surgery is also used to stabilize the spine.
- Rehabilitation teams work with patients to help strengthen existing muscle function, redevelop fine motor skills and learn adaptive techniques to cope with the spinal cord injury.
New technologies are being discovered every day such as new electronic aids, improved wheelchairs and electrical stimulation devices that help improve the quality of life for spinal cord injury victims.
Contact an experienced Long Beach Spinal Cord Injury Attorney for a Free Consultation
Your Injuries are Personal to Me
My law practice exclusively represents personal injury victims and does so with a deep understanding of their suffering and an absolute commitment to their recovery. I take your injuries personally, and that is why I directly handle all aspects of every case to ensure that you receive maximum compensation.
Call the Law Office of Michael D. Waks at 888-394-1174 or use the convenient online contact form to schedule a free consultation. You are under no obligation and you will never pay any money unless you recover damages for your injuries. I offer bilingual services as part of my comprehensive approach to legal representation and I am available 24/7 to talk to you about your case.
Sources: Mayo Clinic
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