A spinal cord injury can cause anything from full paralysis to a full recovery. Recovery depends on the damage done to the cord itself. The following information is intended as a basic guide to the causes, complications and treatments of a severe spinal cord injury.

• Causes- Spinal cord injuries are caused when an injury, such as an accident or fall, causes the spine to crush, fracture, dislocate or compress. A deep cut or wound can go deep enough to cut the spinal cord. In addition to the immediate damage to the spinal cord, bleeding, swelling and inflammation can cause more damage to the area.
• Complications- After the reality of a spinal cord injury has set in it can take some time to understand and adapt to the changes the injury brings. Spinal cord damage can cause changes in:
• o Bladder control.
• o Bowel control.
• o Loss of skin sensation that can lead to pressure sores.
• o Circulatory control issues that can lead to an increase in blood clots and a dangerous rise in blood pressure.
• o Respiratory system issues including difficulty breathing and coughing if the torso is affected.
• o Muscle tone can be affected in two ways: Spastic muscles cause uncontrolled tightening of the muscles and flaccid muscles are soft and limp.
• o Fitness and wellness issues can occur and weight loss and muscle atrophy are common.
• o Sexual health after a spinal cord injury can be affected. In men erections and ejaculations may change and in women lubrication may decrease. The loss of feeling to the sexual organs can affect both men and women.
• Treatments- At this time there is no way to reverse damage done during a spinal cord injury. However, doctors and researchers have come up with ways to improve the lives and outcomes of spinal cord injury patients.
• o Preventative emergency actions can lessen the severity of the injury.
• o In the E.R. the staff will work to maintain the ability to breathe, prevent shock, immobilize the neck to prevent further damage and avoid complications.
• o Medications can help lessen the affect of the damage if given soon after the injury.
• o Surgery may be needed to remove fragments of the spine or repair disks and vertebrae.
• o After the initial hospital stay, long term treatments can include rehabilitation, medications and assistive devices and adaptations.

We hope that the information here has helped you better understand spinal cord injuries. The links in this article will lead you to the Mayo Clinic, an excellent resource for anyone wanting to learn more about their injury or illness.

If you have been injured in car, truck or motorcycle accident, please contact your Wisconsin and Illinois personal injury attorney at Hupy & Abraham today for your free consultation. With a 24-hour phone line and offices in Milwaukee, Madison, Appleton, Bloomington and Gurnee we are here for you when you need us, where you need us.

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