Spinal Injuries

The most common causes are disease or trauma (such as an accident/injury).

Symptoms of a spinal cord injury may include*:

• Head that is in an unusual position
• Numbness or tingling that spreads down an arm or leg
• Weakness
• Difficulty walking
• Paralysis – loss of movement of the arms or legs
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Shock (pale, clammy skin; bluish lips and fingernails; acting dazed or semiconscious)
• Lack of alertness (unconsciousness)
• Stiff neck, headache, or neck pain

A spinal cord injury may be caused by:

• Bullet or stab wound
• Traumatic injury to the face, neck, head, chest, or back (for example, a car accident)
• Diving accident
• Electric Shock
• Extreme twisting of the middle of the body
• Landing on the head during a sports injury
• Fall from a great height

A spinal cord injury is an injury to the spinal cord which can be either temporary or permanent, to the cords normal motor, sensory or autonomic function. They are described as “incomplete” – which can have little effect or minor effects, or “complete” – which can be total loss of function. Depending on where the damage is the symptoms can vary greatly from pain to incontinence and in some cases paralysis.

This is shows and the surrounding nerves, vertebra and intervertebral disk:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/24/Spinewithcord.jpg

* ^{http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000029.htm}

In the event of a suspected spinal cord injury you should seek immediate medical attention from the nearest A&E department.

Spinal Cord injuries can be life changing not only for the person who suffered the injury but those around them. Extensive rehabilitation is often required and this will most likely take place in a specialist centre meaning that the person who has suffered the spinal injury may have to spend time away from loved ones.

Our expert team know and understand the complexity of the issues following a spinal cord injury and what is involved in the treatment and rehabilitation of a person who has suffered a spinal cord injury.

If you or anyone you know has been the victim of a serious accident and would like advice on making a claim then please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Alisha Butler-Ward on 0800 019 0324 or by email on: alishaward@burdward.co.uk