Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries

Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord is a vital part of the central nervous system, responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Damage to the spinal cord can result from various causes, including car accidents, falls, sports injuries, and construction site accidents. These injuries can be classified into two main types:

• Complete Spinal Cord Injury: This results in a total loss of function below the injury site.
• Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: This involves a partial loss of function, where some signals can still pass through the injured area.

Common Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries

Recognizing the symptoms of a spinal cord injury is essential for immediate medical intervention. Here are the most common signs to watch out for:

• Loss of Movement
  • Inability to move parts of your body, particularly below the injury site.
  • This can range from partial paralysis (weakness) to complete paralysis.

• Loss of Sensation
  • Numbness or loss of feeling in your extremities.
  • Reduced ability to feel heat, cold, and touch.

• Exaggerated Reflexes or Spasms
  • Uncontrolled movements or spasms.
  • Overactive reflexes in response to stimuli.

• Loss of Bladder and Bowel Control
  • Incontinence or inability to control urination and bowel movements.
  • This is often a result of the disruption in the communication between the brain and the bladder/bowels.

• Changes in Sexual Function
  • Altered sexual sensitivity, fertility issues, or loss of sexual function.
  • Men and women might experience different impacts based on the injury level.

• Pain or Intense Stinging Sensation
  • Severe pain or an intense stinging sensation caused by damage to the nerve fibers in your spinal cord.
  • This can occur at or below the injury site.

• Difficulty Breathing
  • If the injury is in the cervical (neck) area, affecting the muscles used for respiration, there may be challenges in breathing.
  • This may necessitate the use of ventilators in severe cases.

• Balance and Coordination Issues
  • Difficulty walking or maintaining balance.
  • Coordination problems due to the disruption of signals between the brain and body.

Immediate Steps to Take

If you suspect that you or someone else has sustained a spinal cord injury, it is crucial to act quickly to minimize further damage. First and foremost, seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 or heading to the nearest emergency room without delay. Avoid moving the injured person to prevent exacerbating the injury. Document the incident by noting how the injury occurred and any immediate symptoms, and gather contact information of any witnesses. Finally, contact a personal injury attorney at Apicella & Schlesinger Attorneys at Law to discuss your case. Our experienced team can help you understand your legal options and guide you through seeking compensation.