Here’s what you should know about spinal injuries

Spinal cord injuries are often devastating to those who suffer them. Depending on the location of the injury, the patient may have a lack of sensation or other symptoms nearly anywhere in their body. While not all spinal cord injuries are the same, they can produce a range of symptoms such as:

• Weakness in the limbs
• A lack of sensation or no sensation from the point of injury downward
• Possible organ involvement
• Tingling
• A feeling of heat or burning sensation
• Numbness
• Paralysis

Looking at these symptoms, it’s easy to see why a spinal injury has such a major impact on patients.

Getting early treatment is the key to recovery from spinal injuries

Treating a spinal cord injury as quickly as possible can be the key to helping retain functionality below the point of the injury. As swelling occurs, there is a potential for the nerves to continue to be compressed in the spinal cord, which could cause further damage.

Medical providers may respond by ordering emergency diagnostic tests. Most will immobilize the patient and take steps to stabilize them. Spinal cord injuries generally require intensive care, so many patients are admitted into the intensive care unit. After that, they may see some specialists including:

• Spinal cord medicine specialists
• Psychologists
• Orthopedic surgeons
• Neurosurgeons
• Social workers
• Therapists
• Nurses

Every spinal cord injury case is different. Some patients will be able to be treated with medications, while others might require surgery. Some may opt for experimental treatments, while others focus on using the treatments that are tried and true.

If you’re hurt and have a spinal injury, reach out to an experienced attorney. Getting the right compensation will help you cover the expenses related to this serious injury.