Spinal Cord Injury
1. What is the spinal cord and vertebrae?
The spinal cord is part of the central nervous system. It consists of a bundle of nerves, which runs down the centre of the spinal canal, a bony casing which protects it. The spinal canal is made up of bony rings called vertebrae. The spine consists of the cervical spine (the neck), the thoracic spine (middle of the back) and the lumbar spine (low back). The spinal cord is essential to carry messages from the brain to the rest of the body.
2. What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
Spinal Cord Injury is damage to the spinal cord that results in a loss of function such as mobility (paralysis) or feeling. Most injuries to the spine are as a result of Road Traffic Accident, accidents at work, sporting accidents and medical negligence. Other causes can be disease (polio, spina bifida), or growths such as cancer.
A spinal cord injury is quite different from many common back complaints for example a ‘disc bulge’ or prolapsed disc, which can often improve. People can also ‘break their back or neck’ i.e. fracture their spine, but not damage their spinal cord. It is the spinal cord, which is the most important structure, which is essential to send messages throughout the body.
The higher up the spinal cord injury, the more extensive the symptoms of paralysis are. When both legs and arms are affected, the condition is called quadriplegia. For example, damage to the cervical spine, or neck can result in paralysis of both arms and legs (quadriplegia). Injuries at this level may mean the person requires a ventilator to breathe. Damage to the lower part of the spine may result in paralysis of the legs and often internal organs below the waist. This is known as paraplegia, and often the healthy spinal cord above the injury can function well.
Spinal cord injuries can be complete or incomplete. A complete injury means that there is no nervous impulses travelling below the level of the injury i.e. no sensation or movement. Both sides of the body are affected. An incomplete injury means that there may be some nervous impulses, which can travel beyond the injury level. This would mean the person might have some degree of sensation or movement in the affected limbs.
What are the main problems with a spinal cord injury?
As mentioned above, the main consequence of a spinal cord injury is paralysis and loss of sensation either in the legs (paraplegia) or in both the arms, legs and trunk (quadriplegia). The higher the injury, the more damage is sustained.
Other consequences of injury may include loss of sexual function, dysfunction of the bladder and bowel, breathing difficulties, low blood pressure, inability to regulate blood pressure effectively, reduced control of body temperature, inability to sweat below the level of injury, and chronic pain.
Is there a cure for spinal injury?
Unfortunately not, although research is constantly evolving and there have been many advances in the labs around the world. Please see our charity commitment for further information in this area. Many of the most exciting advances have resulted in a decrease in damage at the time of the injury.
Will I ever get better?
Initially there will be swelling in the spinal cord, which will settle, and so some of the symptoms you may have experienced may pass. Unfortunately around 18 months after the injury, there is unlikely to be any change in your condition. We therefore need to establish what help you will require in terms of assistance (see below) in order to continue living your life.
How can Ashton Lake Solicitors help?
If you or a member of your family have suffered a spinal cord injury then you need specialist advice. At Ashton Lake Solicitors we will spend considerable time assessing each client’s current and future requirements and ensure that every aspect for the future is considered. An example of some of the things your solicitor will consider when planning your claim is:
- Rehabilitation and treatment
- New housing or possible adaptions to current housing
- Care support immediate and future
- Aids and equipment
- Transport requirements and adaptions
- Education and training needs
- Case management current and future
- Future employment and Disability Discrimination Act.
The consequences of a spinal cord can be very serious and can change a person’s life instantly. The majority of people who suffer spinal cord injuries become wheelchair users and this has a dramatic effect on every aspect of their lives. We will take into account every possible requirement when handling your claim and have access to the best medical experts in spinal injuries. Our aim is to achieve the best possible settlement for the injury sustained whilst dealing with your claim with sensitivity at all times.
To obtain expert legal advice, please complete the online enquiry
form or call 01509 262621 to speak to a specialist solicitor.
We offer no win no fee funding and guarantee that you keep 100% of your
compensation with no fees payable from you win or lose.
