Auto accidents, falls, assaults and numerous other incidents may cause serious injuries, including spinal cord injuries. According to the World Health Organization, 90% of the global incidence of spinal cord injuries involves traumatic causes.
This type of serious back trauma may have life-changing impacts on those who suffer from them, as well as on their families. Therefore, those who have spinal cord injuries, or who have loved ones living with such conditions, may find it helpful to understand their possible effects.
Causes of spinal cord injuries
According to MayoClinic.org, the term spinal cord injuries refers to cases of damage to the vertebrae, disks or ligaments of the spine, or to the spinal cord itself. This type of damage often occurs as a result of sudden blows to the spine or penetrating trauma, such as a knife attack or gunshot.
Spinal cord injury symptoms
The symptoms of spinal cord injuries vary depending on things such as the level and severity of the injury. People may lose all or some of their feeling and motor function. In addition to some level of paralysis, those with such injuries also sometimes have spasms or exaggerated reflexes, loss of bladder or bowel control, and difficulty breathing or coughing.
Complications of spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries impact how the body functions and, as a result, they may cause secondary complications. For example, this may include the following:
- Kidney infections
- Kidney or bladder stones
- Pressure sores
- Blood clots
- Pneumonia
Depending on the type and severity of spinal trauma they suffer, people with spinal cord injuries may need extensive emergent medical treatment, as well as ongoing care. If their injuries resulted from the negligence of others, they may consider their options for pursuing compensatory damages.