Spinal Cord Injuries

“Spinal Cord Injury” – this has to be one of the diagnoses sure to frighten an individual more than any other, immediately conjuring up images of a lifetime spent in a wheelchair or hospital bed. If you have been recently been told that you or a loved one has a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) you are probably understandably concerned and anxious – read ahead for valuable information that can make this diagnosis easier to understand and deal with moving forward.

What is A Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)?

An SCI can occur when the body undergoes a traumatic or jarring event, resulting in mild to severe damage to the cells located within the core of the spinal cord. In some cases the spinal cord and/ or the nerve tracts within are actually severed, causing irreparable damage.

The most common SCI types can include:

• Contusions (bruising of the spinal cord)
• Compression injuries (caused by pressure on the spinal cord
• Lacerations (severing or tearing of the nerve fibers, such as a traumatic accident, collision or gunshot wound)
• Central Cord Syndrome (damage to the corticospinal tracts of the cervical region of the spinal cord)

What negative affects will an SCI have on your life?

While even a minor SCI can cause discomfort, swelling, pain and a lack of mobility, more severe injuries can be devastating. Some of the negative health affects can include paralysis (a loss of control over movement of the body, rendering one unable to walk, move their arms or move in other ways), a loss of sensation and feeling, and even a loss of bladder and/ or bowel control.

Muscle spasms, a loss in sexual function and overwhelming pain can all develop and increase over time, and a number of secondary medical problems can appear in an individual in the months and years after a SCI occurs. These can include (but are not limited to) bed sores, bladder, kidney and urethra infections and lung maladies.

What are the main causes of SCIs?

The main causes of SCIs vary with an individual’s age. In people over the age of 65, falls and other mobility accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries, while younger people are more likely to damage their spinal cord in automobile accidents.

Some of the other most common causes include:

• Accidents in the Workplace
• Diving and scuba accidents
• Electric shock
• Bullet, fight or stab wounds
• Sports injuries

If you or someone you love has undergone an SCI, you know better than anyone that this type of injury can change your life forever. Thankfully, the skilled Chicago medical malpractice attorneys at Baizer Kolar P.C. can help you deal with the myriad issues that you are facing, such as ensuring that you recover lost wages, guaranteeing that your medical bills are covered and securing coverage from your insurance company for all of your treatments going forward.

We are sensitive to your medical needs, and will we work tirelessly to help you gain peace of mind during this difficult time. Call or email us today.