Most people think spinal cord injuries always lead to paralysis, but that is not the case. Some spinal cord injuries may only cause temporary paralysis or no paralysis at all. Unfortunately, there are certainly spinal cord injuries that do lead to various levels of paralysis for those involved. Spinal cord injury symptoms can vary significantly depending on the location and severity of the injury, leading to different degrees of paralysis such as tetraplegia or paraplegia, and can include immediate and secondary effects like bleeding and swelling. Here, we want to discuss the mechanics behind paralysis and a spinal cord injury, as well as the various types of paralysis that can occur.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury (SCI) is a complex and potentially life-altering condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord, a bundle of nerve fibers that sends and receives signals between the brain and the rest of the body. SCIs can result in a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, and can affect various aspects of a person’s life, including mobility, sensation, and bodily functions. The severity of a spinal cord injury often depends on the location and extent of the damage, with higher injuries typically resulting in more significant impairments. Understanding the nature of these injuries is crucial for effective treatment and rehabilitation.
The Spine is an Information Highway
Information available from the Shepherd Center says that the spinal cord is “designed to relay messages between the brain and the rest of the body.” Spinal nerves play a crucial role in connecting the spinal cord to the peripheral nervous system, facilitating communication between the brain and the body. Unfortunately, anytime the spinal cord sustains damage as a result of trauma, this poses the risk of disrupting this information highway from the brain to the rest of the body.
There are various levels of spinal cord trauma that can occur, and each level comes with varying degrees of information disruption for the spine. In some cases, individuals are able to make a comfortable recovery after a spinal cord injury. However, that is not always the case. The spine does not regenerate, so when there is permanent damage, this typically means that individuals will sustain permanent damage that they must adjust to.
Anatomy and Function of the Spinal Cord
The spinal cord is a soft, cylindrical column of nerve tissue that extends from the base of the brain down to the lower back. It is protected by the spinal column, a series of vertebrae that provide support and stability. The spinal cord is responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body, controlling voluntary movements, and regulating various bodily functions, such as bowel and bladder control. The spinal cord is made up of nerve fibers, which are classified into two main types: motor fibers, which carry signals from the brain to muscles and glands, and sensory fibers, which carry signals from the body to the brain. This intricate network ensures that our bodies can perform complex tasks and respond to sensory information efficiently.
Causes and Risk Factors of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can result from a variety of causes, including traumatic events, such as car accidents, falls, and sports injuries, as well as non-traumatic events, such as infections, tumors, and degenerative conditions. Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of sustaining a spinal cord injury, including age, sex, and occupation. For example, men are more likely to sustain SCIs than women, and people between the ages of 16 and 30 are at higher risk due to the increased likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors. Additionally, occupations that involve heavy physical labor or high-risk activities can also elevate the risk of spinal cord injuries.
Understanding these risk factors can help in developing preventive measures and raising awareness about spinal cord injuries.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Spinal Cord Injuries
The symptoms of spinal cord injuries can vary widely depending on the location and severity of the injury. Common symptoms include loss of sensation, muscle weakness or paralysis, and loss of bowel and bladder control. In some cases, SCIs can also cause chronic pain, pressure sores, and urinary tract infections. Diagnosing SCIs typically involves a combination of physical examination, medical history, and imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans. In some cases, electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) may also be used to assess nerve function. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and can significantly impact the prognosis and quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Levels of Paralysis Caused by Spinal Trauma
When discussing the levels of a spinal cord injury, we first must look at a broad view. We have “complete” and “incomplete” spinal cord injuries.
- Complete spinal cord injuries cause permanent damage to the area of the spinal cord where the injury occurs. This means that the spinal cord is severed, and individuals will experience paralysis from that point downward.
- Incomplete spinal cord injuries refer to partial damage of the spinal cord, and the level of disability that an individual experiences will depend on the severity of the injury and the area of the spine that sustained the injury. Nerve cells play a crucial role in facilitating communication between the brain and the body, and outcomes for patients typically depend on their health and medical history.
When further breaking down the levels of paralysis caused by spinal cord trauma, we can examine the overreaching types of paralysis, such as quadriplegia and paraplegia.
- Quadriplegia, also referred to as tetraplegia, usually refers to an injury to the spinal cord inside of the neck. In most cases, quadriplegia results in permanent paralysis from the neck down. This means that individuals cannot move any of their limbs, and their torso will be affected. Individuals may still have some ability to move or feel sensations, and they may be able to control automatic body processes, such as bowel and bladder function. However, a complete quadriplegia injury means that a person loses muscle control along with the ability to feel sensations and control automatic processes.
- Paraplegia is a type of paralysis that typically only affects a person’s legs, though sometimes this can affect other lower portions of the body above the legs. Usually, this type of injury occurs as a result of trauma to the thoracic or lumbar spine areas. Individuals could have complete paraplegia, which means they lose all control of their lower limbs and automatic functions, such as bowel or bladder control. An incomplete paraplegia injury means that a person only loses partial function, and they may still be able to move some body parts below the site of the injury, but usually not as much as before the injury occurred.
Treatment and Rehabilitation of Spinal Cord Injuries
Treatment and rehabilitation of spinal cord injuries typically involve a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including physical and occupational therapists, neurologists, and rehabilitation specialists. The primary goals of treatment are to stabilize the spine, manage pain and other symptoms, and promote recovery and rehabilitation. Rehabilitation programs may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, as well as counseling and support services to address the emotional and psychological aspects of SCI. In some cases, surgical interventions, such as spinal cord stimulation or phrenic nerve pacing, may also be used to manage symptoms and improve function. Comprehensive rehabilitation is essential for helping individuals regain independence and improve their quality of life after a spinal cord injury.
Spinal cord injuries can lead to a range of symptoms, including loss of movement, sensation, and autonomic function below the level of the injury. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examination, imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans, and neurological assessments to determine the extent and location of the injury.
Complications related to blood pressure are common following a spinal cord injury. These include orthostatic hypotension, which is a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, and autonomic dysreflexia, a condition characterized by dangerously high blood pressure. Effective management of these complications by rehabilitation teams is crucial for patient safety and recovery.
Spinal cord injuries can have a profound impact on an individual’s life, often leading to significant physical and emotional challenges. Treatment and rehabilitation are crucial for improving the quality of life for those affected.
Research by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) has been pivotal in advancing the understanding and treatment of neurological disorders related to spinal cord injuries. Through innovative research, clinical trials, and the development of neural devices, NINDS aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals with these conditions.
Get the Legal Help You Need After a Spinal Cord Injury with Callahan & Blaine
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury that has led to paralysis, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, and more. At Callahan & Blaine, we have over 40 years of experience helping victims of spinal cord injuries get the support they deserve. Our skilled personal injury attorneys are committed to fighting for justice and ensuring that you receive the compensation necessary to support your recovery and quality of life.
Spinal cord injuries can be life-altering, and navigating the legal complexities of your case requires expertise and dedication. Let us help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (714) 241-4444 or through our contact form to schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney.
