A spinal cord injury usually begins with a sudden, traumatic blow to the spine that fractures or dislocates vertebrae. The damage begins at the moment of injury when displaced bone fragments, disc material, or ligaments bruise or tear into spinal cord tissue. Most injuries to the spinal cord don't completely sever it. Instead, an injury is more likely to cause fractures and compression of the vertebrae, which then crush and destroy the axons, extensions of nerve cells that carry signals up and down the spinal cord between the brain and the rest of the body. These injuries can arise from auto accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, slip and fall accident, and from all other types of trauma. These include falls from scaffolds and even diving injuries into swimming pools and lakes. An injury to the spinal cord can damage a few, many, or almost all of these axons. Some injuries will allow almost complete recovery. However, others will result in complete paralysis. Improved emergency care for people with these type of injuries and aggressive treatment and rehabilitation can minimize damage to the nervous system and even restore limited abilities. Respiratory complications are often an indication of the severity of spinal cord injury. About one-third of those with injury to the neck area will need help with breathing and require respiratory support. The steroid drug methylprednisolone appears to reduce the damage to nerve cells if it is given within the first 8 hours after injury. People who survive a spinal cord injury will most likely have medical complications such as chronic pain and bladder and bowel dysfunction, along with an increased susceptibility to respiratory and heart problems. Successful recovery depends upon how well these chronic conditions are handled day to day. There are many great organizations and support groups for spinal cord injury patients. These inlcude national organizations and local Michigan support groups. Patients with new injuries and their families should look to these groups for support, resources for treatment, and counseling. Individuals who suffer spinal cord injuries due to a Michigan accident do have legal rights and should purse them immediately. There are strict time limitations for filing personal injury claims in Michigan. If you miss a deadline, your claim will be lost forever. To avoid this severe consequence, you should contact a Michigan personal injury lawyer immediately who fully understands the causes and treatments for spinal cord injuries.
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