The spinal cord is a column of nerve tissue that runs through the vertebrae of the spine. It carries sensation and movement signals from the brain to the rest of the body. An acute spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord is bruised, torn or severed. This type of injury is a common cause of disability and death in children and adults throughout Arizona.
Causes of acute spinal cord injury
Ann acute spinal cord injury, also known as SPI, can happen when a portion of the spine is bent or compressed during a traumatic event. According to the National Institutes of Health, the top causes of SPI are car accidents and falls. Other leading causes include:
- Motorcycle accidents
- Sports injuries
- Diving accidents
- Trampoline accidents
- Violent acts, such as firearm injuries or physical altercations
- Birth injuries
- Spinal cord infections
Symptoms of a spinal cord injury
Spinal cord injuries are associated with a variety of debilitating symptoms, including the loss of sensation and movement to body parts. The severity of symptoms depends on the location of the injury and how much damage occurred. Common symptoms include:
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of voluntary movement in the chest, arms or legs
- Loss of feeling in the chest, arms or legs
- Breathing difficulties
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
Aftermath of a spinal cord injury
Catastrophic injuries to the spinal cord can lead to a lifetime of medical and financial challenges. To recover their losses, many spinal cord injury victims file a personal injury lawsuit against the individual or entity that caused them harm. Typical damages sought in such cases include pain and suffering, medical expenses, rehabilitation costs and lost wages.
