Spinal Cord Injury

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Modified on 2009/10/14 21:44 by admin

» Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury typically involves trauma to the bundle of nerves that runs from the base of the brain, through the spinal column and down the back. The spinal column or "backbone" is made up of several vertebrae that protect the fragile spinal cord.

Because different parts of this bundle control different bodily functions, a spinal cord injury can produce a wide range of consequences.

For instance, the nerves running along the part of the cord closest to the front of your body control muscles and your ability to move, while the nerves toward your back control your sense of touch and allow you to perceive temperature.

If you suffer from a broken back or dislocated vertebrae, and they fail to adequately protect your spinal cord, you may suffer from a spinal cord injury.

For instance, in an automobile accident your spinal cord may be compressed or even severed, resulting in varying degrees of disability or paralysis. The location of the spinal cord injury in reference to the vertebral column determines the severity of your disability.

The spinal column consists of four sections, the Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, and Sacral. These run from top to bottom respectively. Generally speaking, the higher it occurs along the spinal column, the more severe the consequences of a spinal cord injury.

For example, a spinal cord injury in either the Cervical or Thoracic regions usually results in some form of paralysis, while a spinal cord injury in the lower portions of the Lumbar or Sacral regions may cause numbness and / or loss of bowel / bladder control.

Science is making rapid advances in spinal cord injury research. While there is currently no cure for many of the effects of spinal cord injuries, researchers are developing techniques that they hope will allow damaged spinal cord nerves to regenerate and heal and reduce the incidence of death in patients with spinal cord injuries.

By far the preeminent goal of first responders in the case of a spinal cord injury is that of preventing further damage.

If you or a loved one has recently suffered a spinal cord injury as the result of another's negligence or intentional actions, it may be in your best interests to contact a Spinal Cord Injury Attorney who can help you recover compensation that is legally and rightfully yours. Please keep in mind that there may be time limits within which you must commence a lawsuit.

Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers associated with InjuryBoard.com will evaluate your case free of charge. In addition, you will not pay any fees or costs unless your attorney recovers compensation in your behalf. Please click on the free Ask An Attorney button to take advantage of this valuable legal service. Your information will be held in strict confidentiality.

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Spinal Cord Injury

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