Understanding a Spinal Cord Injury Diagnosis

The words spinal cord injury is enough to instil panic in just about everyone. Most people diagnosed with SCI as well as their loved ones often believe that the person will be paralyzed forever and suffer a poor quality of life from the moment they hear the term. With the right type of treatment, diagnosis, and rehab it is possible for those that suffer from spinal cord injuries to lead productive and very independent lives.

A SCI is actually defined as any injury that includes damage to the ligaments vertebrae, disks, nerves, or the actual spinal cord. The damage can be the result of an accident such as a sports injury or car accident or could be the ending result of slow deterioration of the spinal column due to osteoporosis, arthritis, or cancer.

Diagnosis and Paralysis

The severity of a spinal cord injury determines the how an individual will be affected. According to the Mayo Clinic, an SCI will be classified in one of two ways: complete or incomplete. In a complete injury, the person loses most or all sensation and motor function below the site of the injury. In an incomplete injury, the person retains some motor or sensory functions below the injury.

In terms of paralysis, there are also two main categories: tetraplegia/quadriplegia and paraplegia. With tetraplegia/quadriplegia, the person’s arms and legs, trunk and pelvic organs will all be affected. With paraplegia, paralysis affects the legs, a portion of the trunk and the pelvic organs. Spinal cord injuries at the cervical (neck) area often result in tetraplegia/quadriplegia while injuries at the thoracic (upper back) area and below result in paraplegia.

Treatment Options and Care Costs

Though scientists are confident that advances in research and technology will one day make full recovery from SCI possible, it is currently not a likely prognosis. However, with prompt and proper diagnosis and the use of neuroprotective therapies, it is possible to stop or minimize further spinal cord damage in many cases. From the use of sedation and traction to physical therapy and respiratory care, individuals with SCI can manage the pain, swelling and infection often associated with spinal cord damage.

The treatment for spinal cord injury is a long and costly process for the injured person and for his or her family. To control mounting medical expenses and ongoing long-term care costs, many people with SCI and their families turn to personal injury lawyers for assistance in pursuing compensation and more fully understanding what is involved in a spinal cord injury case.

With the knowledge and resources required to determine fault for the initial accident or condition, an experienced attorney can pursue financial reparations for the injured party. Should the SCI result in the death of a loved one, the attorney may also be able to pursue a wrongful death claim for the dependent family members.