Spinal injuries are a catastrophic result of accidents: motor vehicle accidents; truck accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall accidents and; work accidents. It is important that victims of accidents and their personal injury attorneys are aware of the many types of brain injuries that may occur. Accident victims need to seek immediate medical attention whenever an injury to the back or neck occurs.
Paraplegia is a form of paralysis of the lower portion of the human torso, from the waist down. Quadriplegia is paralysis from the neck down. Normally paraplegia is a result of injury to the spinal cord but may also result from infection or loss of blood supply to the brain or spinal cord. Paraplegia may result in total or partial paralysis. Paraplegia results in loss of feeling and leg function. It may involve intense pain and suffering and a stinging sensation from pinched-nerves, similar to those caused by a brain or burn injury. Loss of bladder and bowel control is normally involved as well as spasms and pain. Sexual dysfunction is common as well as loss of fertility. Shortened lifespan is a typical result.
Accident victims and personal injury attorneys must be pro-active in seeking immediate diagnosis and treatment of all head and spinal cord injuries. As discussed in last week’s blog (September 7, 2011) not all head and spinal injuries are immediately apparent and often overlooked because either shock is masking the symptoms or there are no external indications of impact.
Please join us at our blog and the Grazian and Volpe Facebook page for the next 3 Wednesdays where we will discuss the causes and effects of spinal injuries.
