Symptoms of spinal cord damage generally appear immediately after injury. However, if gradual swelling, fluid accumulation, infection or tumor are factors, symptoms can develop slowly. The degree and location of symptoms will vary depending on the location and complete/incomplete nature of the injury.
About one in twenty cervical fractures is missed. “Whiplash,” for example, may result in temporary neck pain, weakness and sensory loss, but remain undiagnosed as a spinal cord injury. It is estimated that about thirty percent of delayed diagnosis cases result in the development of permanent neurological deficits for the victim. It is thus crucial to recognize the common symptoms of spinal cord injury. These include:
- Poor coordination, weakness or paralysis;
- Tingling, numbness, or loss of sensation;
- Loss of bowel and bladder control;
- Breathing difficulties from paralysis of breathing muscles;
- Spasticity (hyperexcitable reflexes).
Injuries to the cervical or high thoracic cord may also cause:
- Abnormal blood pressure fluctuation, often accompanying pain or bladder spasms;
- Abnormal sweating;
- Trouble maintaining proper temperature.
Abnormal sensation and neuropathic pain may be experienced in areas that otherwise have no sensation.
A standard neurologic examination will indicate the location of injury if it is not immediately evident. Reflexes may be abnormal or absent in affected areas of the body. Spine X-rays may show fracture or damage to the bones of the spine.
To guarantee that your attorneys do not overlook potential spinal cord injury, make sure that your attorneys understand the anatomy of the spine and how to properly develop and try a case involving spinal injury.
Oftentimes, less experienced lawyers overlook spinal injuries because they do not understand anatomy or the medicine involved. With lawyers who have handled spinal injuries in the past, and a doctor-lawyer on staff, we know how to properly investigate and litigate spinal cord injury cases.
Serious spinal cord injuries may not only be overlooked, but if recognized, an inexperienced attorney may undervalue them, and fail to obtain full compensation for the victim. Make sure that your attorneys are familiar with which symptoms are significant and the realistic prognosis for your recovery. Call the spinal cord injury specialists at Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger, at 888.732.8897.
