SCI Suffered in A Car Crash May Pose Lifelong Health Issues

Even a minor vehicle crash can result in major injuries, some of which might not be readily apparent. 

One such example is spinal cord injury or SCI. Symptoms vary and some could affect your state of health for years if not forever. 

SCI Explained

Your spinal cord is a column of nerves that carry impulses from your brain to other parts of your body. It is vulnerable to injury and, if damaged, is unable to repair itself. There are two kinds of SCI: complete and incomplete. If you should suffer complete SCI, you will lose the ability to feel below the site of the injury. However, you will still have some degree of functioning if you have an incomplete injury. 

Symptoms of SCI

The most telling symptoms of SCI are loss of mobility, exaggerated muscle spasms and the loss of sensation and inability to feel touch, heat or cold. You might experience pain or a stinging sensation or perhaps difficulty breathing. Even if your symptoms appear mild, prompt medical attention is advisable. With the proper diagnosis, treatment can begin immediately. 

Recovery Issues

Depending on the severity of the injury, recovery from SCI may require hospitalization followed by a long-term program of rehabilitation. At the current time, doctors have no ability to reverse spinal cord damage. However, a rehabilitation program that includes medications, the application of prosthetic devices and possible electrical nerve stimulation can restore certain functions and help with mobility. 

A Look Ahead

If you are the victim of a vehicle crash faced with SCI, you may have to deal with lifelong health issues and enormous medical expense. Keep in mind that you do not have to face these prospects alone and have the right to expect full and fair compensation to cover your medical needs and more.