Spinal cord injuries can occur under many different circumstances. A fall, an incident involving an unsafe product or a motor vehicle collision could damage someone’s spinal cord. People with spinal cord injuries may require lifelong medical care that can cost millions. They also likely have to deal with permanent symptoms caused by the injury.
In addition to being expensive and debilitating, spinal cord injuries are among the most feared injuries possible. Many people become incredibly anxious at the thought of losing sensation and motor function because of a spinal cord injury. Unfortunately, the information that many people have about spinal cord injuries – for better and for worse – is often inaccurate and somewhat limited. They may only know what they have seen in popular media.
Not all injuries cause total paralysis
Contrary to what people sometimes assume, spinal cord injuries do not always result in a complete loss of motor function and sensation. Complete injuries do cause paralysis. However, people can injure their spinal cords without fully severing them. Incomplete spinal cord injuries may result in functional impairment, pain and other symptoms. However, people may retain the ability to walk after an incomplete spinal cord injury. They can also recover lost function with therapy and time. While their symptoms won’t just disappear, they may significantly improve with the right care.
There have been major medical advances
Technically, health care professionals still treat complete spinal cord injuries as incurable. Still, there have been incredible medical advances in recent years. For example, researchers recently used implanted electrosimulation devices to help three adult men regain the ability to walk after sustaining complete spinal cord injury. They still cannot feel their lower extremities, but with physical therapy and the right technology, they can theoretically walk.
Of course, accessing cutting-edge treatment or even securing the medical care necessary for a permanent injury can be cost-prohibitive. Individuals with spinal cord injuries may need financial support so that they can get the care that they need and provide for their families. Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit can potentially help those with catastrophic injuries access care and maintain a healthy standard of living after a life-altering injury.