Spinal cord injuries (SCI) can cause significant changes in a person’s life, and it is important to recognize the symptoms of an SCI as early as possible to get the right treatment. The spinal cord is responsible for transmitting signals from the brain to other parts of the body, and any injury to the spinal cord can affect the function of various body parts. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the common symptoms of spinal cord injuries and how to recognize them.
Loss of sensation or movement
The most common symptom of SCI is the loss of sensation or movement below the injury site. The level of injury determines the extent of paralysis, and the higher the level of injury, the greater the loss of sensation or movement. For example, a person with a cervical SCI may experience paralysis in both arms and legs, while a person with a lumbar SCI may have paralysis in their legs only.
Difficulty breathing
The spinal cord also plays a vital role in controlling the muscles involved in breathing. If the injury is high up in the cervical region, it can affect the respiratory muscles, leading to difficulty breathing or even respiratory failure.
Changes in bowel or bladder function
The spinal cord also controls bowel and bladder function, and any injury to the spinal cord can affect these functions. SCI can lead to urinary incontinence, difficulty emptying the bladder, or even loss of bowel control.
Pain or stinging sensations
People with SCI may also experience pain or stinging sensations at or below the injury site. This pain can be severe and persistent and may require medical intervention to manage.
Spasms or exaggerated reflexes
Another symptom of SCI is spasms or exaggerated reflexes. These can be triggered by various stimuli, such as movement or touch, and can be painful and disruptive to daily life.
If you or someone you know experiences any of the above symptoms after an injury, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early intervention can help to minimize the long-term effects of an SCI and improve the chances of recovery.
Low blood pressure
A spinal cord injury can also affect the autonomic nervous system, which controls essential body functions such as blood pressure and heart rate. As a result, people with SCI may experience low blood pressure, especially when they move from a lying down to a sitting or standing position. This can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting.
Sexual dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction is a common symptom of SCI, and it can affect both men and women. Depending on the level of the injury, people with SCI may experience erectile dysfunction, loss of libido, difficulty achieving orgasm, or inability to become pregnant.
Changes in body temperature
SCI can also affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature, leading to changes in body temperature. People with SCI may experience excessive sweating, difficulty sweating, or intolerance to cold or heat.
Numbness or tingling
Another symptom of SCI is numbness or tingling in the limbs, which can be a sign of nerve damage. This symptom can be mild or severe, and it can affect one or both sides of the body.
Depression or anxiety
Living with SCI can be challenging, and it can take a toll on a person’s mental health. Depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders are common among people with SCI, and they can affect the quality of life.
Recognizing the symptoms of SCI is crucial for early intervention and better outcomes. Loss of sensation or movement, difficulty breathing, changes in bowel or bladder function, pain or stinging sensations, spasms or exaggerated reflexes, low blood pressure, sexual dysfunction, changes in body temperature, numbness or tingling, and depression or anxiety are all common symptoms of SCI. If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms after an injury, seek medical attention immediately. With proper care and management, people with SCI can lead fulfilling lives.
At Christian & Christian Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a spinal cord injury can have on a person and their family. That’s why we take a compassionate and client-focused approach to every case we handle. We work closely with clients to understand their unique needs and goals, and we develop personalized legal strategies designed to achieve the best possible outcome for them.
We can also connect clients with resources and support services in their community. This can include referrals to medical providers, rehabilitation facilities, and support groups for people with spinal cord injuries.
We believe that everyone deserves justice and fair compensation for their injuries, and we are committed to helping our clients achieve these goals. We handle every case with integrity, professionalism, and a dedication to excellence, and we strive to provide the highest level of legal representation to our clients.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to the negligence of others, we encourage you to contact us for a free consultation. We can help you understand your legal rights and options and provide you with the guidance and support you need during this difficult time.