Spinal Cord Injury

Over 10,000 people in the US suffer a spinal cord injury, also called SCI, each year. SCI is defined as any damage to the spinal cord that results in loss of function or mobility. Such injuries can be caused by trauma or disease and can result in temporary or permanent loss of sensation, loss of movement (paralysis), or loss of bowel or bladder control. Auto accidents are the primary cause, but violence-related accidents have been increasing steadily as a cause of SCI's. Falls and sports accidents also cause many SCI's each year.

There are two types of injury, complete and incomplete. A complete injury is one in which the victim has no sensation or voluntary motor movement on either side of the body below the level of the injury. If the victim has some feeling or partial movement, it is called an incomplete injury.

Injuries are usually defined with reference to the area of the spine affected. Nerves in the spine are defined by the area of the vertebrae. For instance, an injury to the spine in the neck area will affect the cervical vertebrae, so an injury to the nerves at the fifth cervical vertebra is called a C-5 injury. Below the neck are the thoracic vertebrae, so injuries there are defined as T-1, etc. Below these are the lumbar and sacral vertebrae.

Generally speaking, neck injuries can lead to paralysis of all limbs (quadriplegia) while thoracic injuries cause paralysis to the lower limbs only (paraplegia). Both areas have variations in the amount of dysfunction, depending on the severity of the injury. An incomplete cervical injury can leave the patient with some hand use, while a complete injury at C-4 can require the patient to be on a ventilator. Thoracic injuries can leave the arms functional but interfere with walking, bowel control, bladder control, and sexual function. Other functions that can be affected are blood pressure, body temperature and pain levels.

A spinal cord injury usually involves swelling of the spinal cord, which affects the whole body. When the swelling goes down, the patient may regain function months or years after the injury, but it is rare for all functioning to be recovered. Treatment presently consists of stabilizing any broken vertebrae, maintaining the patient, preventing movement to the injured area, and reducing swelling. There is no cure for SCI but stem cell research has shown some signs of being useful in the future.

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury that seems to have been someone else's fault, call VanDerGinst Law at 1-866-843-7367 or click here for a FREE online case evaluation. The initial consultation is free of charge. If we agree to handle your injury case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if, and when, there is a money recovery for you. In many cases a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. So please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.

• Complete vs. Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury - What is the difference and how does it affect victims of a spinal cord injury?
  
• Glossary of Spine Terminology
• Spinal Cord Injury FAQ
• Spinal Cord Injury Statistics

Links on the Web

Spinal Cord Injuries Wire Comprehensive News Feed for Spinal Cord Injuries.

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 22:09:44 GMT Hansen launches SCI plan 25 years after global tour CTV.ca ... a lot of challenges," he said. With that spirit as inspiration, Hansen launched a new $200 million campaign for spinal cord injury research running until the anniversary of his tour's end, on May 22, 2012. "What better way to celebrate the 25th ... Click here to read this Spinal Cord Injury news article.

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 20:27:29 GMT Spinal-cord research gets $38.5M boost in funding Globe and Mail ... Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Premier Gordon Campbell, who attended a news conference today at the Blusson Spinal Cord Centre in central Vancouver. Twenty five years ago today, Mr. Hansen departed a mall in Vancouver for a global tour that ... Click here to read this Spinal Cord Injury news article.

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:23:38 GMT Doctor Heals Spinal Cord Injuries KSAT.com - Health News He made paralyzed rats walk again, but can a California doctor do the same for humans. Find out how stem cells could help repair spinal cord injuries. Click here to read this Spinal Cord Injury news article.

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:58:41 GMT Race for Spinal Victory at Wantagh High School April 18 Massapequan Observer ... a giant flat screen TV, will also be awarded. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Testaverde Fund for Spinal Cord Injury, Inc. (TFSCI) and the Long Island Spinal Cord Injury Resource Center, Inc. which offers support and assistance to the ... Click here to read this Spinal Cord Injury news article.

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:01:02 GMT Human embryonic stem cell research represents a new era in the field of spinal cord injuries PR-inside.com Furthermore, President Obamas March 2009 decision to overturn restrictions on human embryonic stem cell research represents a new era in the field of spinal cord injuries. Click here to read this Spinal Cord Injury news article.

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 03:36:33 GMT Workshop on spinal cord injuries begins today The Hindu VISAKHAPATNAM: Wheelchair-borne people suffering from spinal cord injuries for the first time will come under one platform to learn about their problems and how to manage their lives with less dependence here at a two-day workshop beginning on Friday. Click here to read this Spinal Cord Injury news article.

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