Levels of spinal injury
There are a number of levels of spinal injury and they all have
different implications for the individual involved:
Paraplegia
This term can describe both a complete and an incomplete
paralysis which affects the legs and also the trunk but not the
arms. This is as a consequence of damage to the spinal cord at
thoracic one and below.
Tetraplegia
Also known as quadriplegia. This describes paralysis from the
neck down affecting all four limbs and the trunk. This will be the
result of damage to the spinal cord between C1 and C8.
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
Here there may still be some sensory function that remains.
People may have feelings but not have movement for example. How the
spinal injury affects the person is a very much an individual
matter.
Medical Management
Providing the patient’s life is no longer at risk, then the
medical management of the spinal column will be a priority. The
individual will be moved to a Spinal Cord Injury Unit as quickly as
possible. Traction devices may be used as well as braces in order
to hold the spine in place.
Surgery may be carried out to stabilise the spinal column and
rods and plates may be inserted to fix the spine in place.
Complications
Initial complications can include things such as:
- Pressure sores
- Respiratory complications
- Bowel management
Providing you are in a Specialist Spinal Injury Unit, the nurses
and doctors caring for you will be aware of these risks and will
look out for the signs.
Other Complications can include:
Autonomic Dysreflexia
The brain has lost normal control over the body. This may cause
a dramatic increase in blood pressure which can then go on to cause
severe headaches and sweating. This needs careful management by the
medical team.
- Spasms
It is not unusual for those who
have suffered a spinal cord injury to suffer spasms. These may be
mild or they can be significant and, in more severe cases, can
cause the individual to be thrown from their wheelchair. The use of
Baclofen medication is key and surgery can take place to insert in
the body a Baclofen pump in order that Baclofen may be administered
on a regular basis.
- Long Term Care
Rehabilitation is key in
ensuring that someone with a spinal cord injury adapts and learns
how to regain their independence. There will be a very different
world but one that certainly can be managed with the assistance of
aids and equipment.
Contact spinal injury specialists
For more information or if you would like to discuss a
potential spinal injury claim you can contact Jill Greenfield
on 020 7861 4557 or email jill.greenfield@ffw.com
You can speak to any member of our spinal
injury team on freephone 0800 358 3848,
email personalinjury@ffw.com or
complete our short enquiry
form.