Established in 2014 by the passing of U.S. Senate Resolution 533, Spinal Cord Awareness Month seeks to spread awareness regarding spinal cord injuries and support research to help survivors recover their mobility. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), there are 17,500 new spinal cord injuries in the country, excluding those that are fatal. Continue reading to learn more about spinal cord injuries.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord is a delicate and vital part of the human body. It sends signals back and forth from the brain to various parts of the bodies, allowing you to feel different sensations. In addition to total or partial paralysis, a spinal cord injury can also result in a variety of other health complications such as:
- Loss of bladder control
- Sexual dysfunction
- Trouble breathing
- Spasms or exaggerated reflexes
- Reduced or lost sensation
There are two main types of spinal cord injuries. Depending on the area that sustained damage, you might have an incomplete or complete spinal cord injury.
- Tetraplegia: If your injury affects the spine from the C1 to T1 levels, you might not be able to feel or move your arms and legs. Additionally, you might not be able to move your neck or head. This condition is also referred to as quadriplegia.
- Paraplegia: If the levels from the T2 to S5 are affected, you might lose mobility or feeling in the feet, hips, legs, chest, and stomach.
The Importance of Rehabilitation
Spinal cord injury survivors should begin the rehabilitation process after hospitalization. Doing so can help improve function and mobility. Rehabilitation can include the following:
- A physical therapist who can help you rebuild strength and use assistive devices
- A psychologist who can help you emotionally cope with the challenges of your spinal cord injury
- An occupational therapist who can help you relearn how to perform daily tasks, such as grooming and other hygienic tasks
- Rehabilitation nurses and other specialists to observe your condition
If you wish to become involved, consider donating to a scientist or an organization working to improve the lives of those suffering from spinal cord injuries.
Contact an Experienced Catastrophic Injury Attorney
If your spinal cord injury was sustained in an accident caused by negligence, you should not have to cope with this burden on your own. At Clawson & Clawson, LLP, our catastrophic injury team has what it takes to help you obtain the compensation you need to cope with the financial burden of this life-altering injury.
Contact our law office today at (719) 602-5888 to schedule a free case evaluation with a member of our team.