7 things to know about spinal cord injuries

People who are the victims of spinal cord injuries likely have a lot of questions when they first find out about the injury. There aren’t any easy answers to the questions that come up. In some cases, the answers depend on the circumstances of the injury. Consider these points if you have a spinal cord injury or a love one who has one.

#1: Spinal cord injuries have various causes

Spinal cord injury causes vary from tumors to accident. Falls, car crashes and other similar accidents can all lead to spinal cord injuries. The cause of the spinal cord injury is one factor that determines what treatments are appropriate.

#2: The effects vary greatly

Spinal cord injury effects vary based on the location and the type of injury. Injuries higher on the spinal cord usually cause more catastrophic effects since these injuries impact the area below the injury. Incomplete injuries can result in having some feeling and use of the areas below the injury. Complete injuries don’t have any use or feeling in the areas below the injuries.

#3: Treatment ranges from medication to surgery

Treatments for spinal cord injuries vary from medication to surgery. The treatments for each case are determined on a case-by-case basis. The type of injury and the symptoms of the injury determine what treatments might be useful.

#4: A range of therapy is necessary

Spinal cord injuries usually require therapy. You might need physical, occupational and respiratory therapy to help you live the fullest life you can. Just like other aspects of treatment, therapy can customize plans that take all the effects of the injury and possible improvements into account.

#5: You may need to modify your house

Modifications to a home are often necessary. You might be going home in a wheelchair, so doors and hallways might need to be wider. Bathrooms and other rooms might also need modifications in order for you to be able to move around your home.

#6: Your car might need special equipment

You may need a vehicle that can accommodate your wheelchair or one that enables you to drive. This can mean modifying your existing vehicle or purchasing a new vehicle. You must think carefully since this is usually a considerable investment.

#7: Your family might suffer

Your family members might suffer because of your injury. Your spouse might have to care for you and can’t expect you to do the things you’ve always done. Your children might have to adapt to a parent who isn’t able to do many things he or she formerly could accomplish. This, as well as the financial impacts of the injury, might lead you to seek compensation for the injury if the cause was negligence on the part of another person.