A doctor reviews an x-ray of the spinal cord and brain.“How does a spinal cord injury affect the brain?” is one of the most frequently asked questions about spinal cord injuries. Depending on the extent of the injury and the organs involved, a spinal cord injury may result in brain damage. Other physical and psychological issues that result from a spinal cord injury might be very challenging to address. If you have experienced a spinal cord injury, you might be interested in learning more about how to recover after the accident.

Have you or a loved one sustained a spinal cord injury due to the negligence of another? Contact Ali Awad, ‘the CEO Lawyer,’ and his team of experienced personal injury attorneys at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm by calling (470) 323-8779 or contacting us online to receive your free and confidential case evaluation. Attorney Ali Awad, ‘the CEO Lawyer,’ established the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm and quickly turned it into one of the fastest-growing law firms in the country. If we take your case, you won’t pay anything until we win.

Do Brain Injuries Due to Spinal Cord Injury Occur?

The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system (CNS). Harm to either could have dire repercussions. Every year, 2.8 million people in the United States experience traumatic brain damage, 800,000 more get strokes, and 17,000 more have spinal cord damage. Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine discovered in a recent study that brain inflammation following a SCI causes a progressive loss of nerve cells. Cognitive problems may result from this loss. According to the study, brain abnormalities are avoidable with the right medical care.

A spinal cord injury can cause either partial or total paralysis. The location of the injury and the interval between the accident and treatment define the amount of the damage. Complete spinal cord injuries result in paralysis, but incomplete spinal cord injuries frequently cause numbness in the affected area. Spinal cord trauma can cause loss of feeling or strength in one or more bodily parts, as well as loss of bladder and bowel control, depending on the severity of the injury.

What Occurs if the Spinal Cord Is Injured?

The spinal cord, which runs down the center of the back, is a collection of nerves. All bodily parts receive information from the brain through it, and it also regulates the heartbeat. The vertebral column, made up of bone rings, guards the spinal cord. A shattered vertebrae may press up against the spinal cord and obstruct the nerve pathway.

Depending on the extent of the spinal cord injury, patients may lose their ability to move and sense and experience a slowdown of their internal organs. A person may undergo tetraplegia in the most extreme circumstances, characterized by the loss of all four limbs. On the other hand, paraplegia only affects the lower half of the body and results in total paralysis.

What Bodily Functions Are Impacted by Spinal Cord Damage?

Your capacity to move and control your limbs will be significantly compromised if you sustain a spinal cord injury. The spinal cord is an important way for your brain and the rest of your body to communicate. You wouldn’t be able to move or feel anything without it. A spinal cord injury can cause loss of function or slowing of the entire body and can impact all of the organs and systems in your body.

After suffering a spinal cord injury, healing takes time. The body’s inherent defensive mechanisms quickly send white blood cells and fluid to the wounded area. However, too much fluid might also prevent blood from reaching the damaged area. Controlling edema is thus a crucial component of the treatment.

Can You Recover After Spinal Cord Damage?

Early spinal cord injuries can be difficult, and you could feel helpless and uncertain about the future. However, many survivors have already overcome the process and are progressing toward recovery. In case you’ve experienced a spinal cord injury, the following details can be helpful:

  • Getting treatment is the first step toward a full recovery.
  • Counseling and additional support services might be offered by medical professionals. They can also assist you in discovering new interests and pastimes. They might even assist you in going back to your job or school.
  • In addition, there are numerous charities and organizations that can assist those who have suffered spinal cord injuries.
  • Strength training, breathing exercises, and stretching are all part of rehabilitation for spinal cord injuries. Your mental, physical, and functional health will all improve as a result of the rehabilitation process.
  • Surgery or non-surgical procedures may be necessary for some recoveries.

Types of Spinal Cord Injury

Loss of motor and sensory function is one of the many consequences that can result from a spinal cord injury. The internal organs of the body may also be impacted. Serious spinal cord injuries come in several forms. Three different sorts of spinal cord injuries are covered below, along with what each type means for an individual.

The injury is considered incomplete when only a small piece of the spinal cord is injured. Although the injured part becomes immobilized as a result, some function may still be there. When a bone fragment or other foreign body enters the spinal cord, it may cause incomplete spinal cord damage. Complete injuries are more severe than incomplete injuries, which can cause a loss of motor and sensory function.

Medically induced spinal cord injuries can affect different parts of the spinal cord. These wounds frequently worsen over time. Early symptoms might not cause a loss of feeling or function, but they will gradually get worse. Depending on the individual, this amount of harm may be significant and impair a person’s quality of life.

Is Injury to the Spinal Cord a Disability?

Damage to the spinal cord is catastrophic. It can cause full or partial paralysis and affect many different organ systems. MRIs and x-rays are used to diagnose this injury. To restore function to the damaged area, surgery may be required. However, spinal cord damage is accompanied by a number of difficulties.

In order to file for benefits if you have a spinal cord injury, you should get assistance from an experienced personal injury lawyer. An attorney can assist you in navigating the disability claims procedure if you’ve previously had a claim rejected or if your claim is complex. You must fulfill certain requirements and demonstrate your inability to work to be eligible for disability compensation.

Can Damage to the Spinal Cord Get Worse?

A spinal cord injury may cause minor or nonexistent symptoms, or they may be severe enough to change a person’s life and may even be irreversible. It is critical that you get medical help right away if you suffer a spinal cord injury. Symptoms often take between 24 and 72 hours to manifest. Your injury’s severity can be ascertained with the aid of X-rays or MRIs.

Following a spinal cord injury, rehabilitation is crucial. Your chances of making a full recovery are increased the earlier you start physical therapy. Treatment delays increase the risk of infection and exacerbate the injury. A spinal cord injury should not be moved unless it is absolutely necessary. It is crucial to utilize padding and to avoid unintentional movement.

A lot of times, spinal cord injuries are also accompanied by excruciating agony. Parts of the body with normal sensation and areas with no sensation at all may be affected by this pain. A person’s quality of life might be significantly impacted by severe pain, which makes it difficult for them to perform their everyday tasks or enjoy their favorite activities.

Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer in Atlanta

All spinal cord injury lawsuits are handled on a contingency basis, meaning no fees are incurred until your case is settled or won. We provide free case reviews. Call Ali Awad, ‘the CEO Lawyer,’ and his experienced team of spinal cord injury attorneys today to receive a free, no-obligation consultation. We can assist you with exploring your legal options and avenues to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm by calling (470) 323-8779 or contacting us online. If we take your case, you won’t pay anything until we win.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Take a look at some of the most common personal injury law questions for general information, and then reach out to one of our seasoned attorneys for specific guidance on your case!

What Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?

The value of your case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and the impact on your life. Each personal injury case is unique, and the combination of these factors varies from one case to another. An experienced personal injury lawyer can provide you with a more precise estimate of your case’s value by reviewing the specific details of your situation. They will analyze similar cases in your jurisdiction, consider the legal precedents, and use their knowledge of past settlements and verdicts to gauge a realistic potential outcome for your case. This estimate helps you understand what you might expect regarding compensation and guides the negotiation or litigation process to ensure you receive a fair settlement.

What Should I Do Immediately After an Accident?

After an accident, seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine, to address any hidden injuries. Document everything, including photos of the scene and contact information for witnesses. Gathering witness statements is crucial because they provide an objective account of the accident, supporting your version of events and strengthening your personal injury claim. Report the incident to the proper authorities, such as the police or property owner. Finally, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options and protect your rights, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

How Much Will a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?

Most personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t have to pay any upfront fees or hourly rates. Instead, the lawyer’s payment is contingent upon the outcome of your case. If you win your case, whether through a settlement or a court judgment, the lawyer will receive a percentage of the compensation awarded to you. If you don't win your case, you usually won’t owe the lawyer any fees for their services.

How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Personal Injury Case?

The timeline for resolving a personal injury case can vary significantly based on a variety of factors, making it difficult to predict exactly how long your case will take. The complexity of the case is a major determining factor. For instance, straightforward cases with clear liability and minimal disputes over damages can sometimes be resolved relatively quickly, often within a few months. These cases may involve negotiating a fair settlement with the insurance company, which can happen promptly if all parties are cooperative and the evidence is strong.