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Long-term impacts of spinal cord injuries

On Behalf of | Nov 28, 2022 | Personal Injury |

A spinal cord injury is one of the most serious and devastating injuries a person can suffer. Sometimes, this injury can be permanent and result in paraplegia, which is the inability to move the lower part of the body. Even if you recover your movement after therapy, you may still have long-term psychological and medical issues for the rest of your life.

Below are some long-term impacts of spinal cord trauma.

Paralysis

The spinal cord is responsible for transporting nerve impulses from your brain to the rest of the body. In addition, it plays a role in digestion, respiration and movement. Therefore, when the spinal cord is damaged, it can affect the rest of your body. One of the most serious effects of spinal cord trauma is paralysis. While sometimes paralysis can be temporary, it’s often permanent. 

Infections

A spinal cord injury can affect different parts of your body. Usually, the affected parts of your body may be prone to complications, such as infections. Victims of spinal cord injuries may be susceptible to different types of infections, including bladder infections, pneumonia and bronchitis. 

Pain

Most patients with spinal cord injuries experience neuropathic pain for the rest of their lives. This type of pain can be complex but can be managed using different forms of treatment. Treatment may include a combination of surgery and prescription drugs. You may also consider alternative treatments like acupuncture.

Osteoporosis

If you suffer a spinal cord injury, you may be at a high risk of developing osteoporosis at some point in your life and possibly breaking a bone. This is often caused by using a wheelchair for a long time due to spinal cord injury. If you cannot move your body independently after sustaining a spinal cord injury, your bones will become weak and porous. 

Living with a spinal cord injury can be expensive. Remember, apart from treatment costs, you may also need daily support. This means that life will never be the same again. For these reasons, consider seeking compensation for damages as you evaluate your future.