Medical Treatment for Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are obviously serious injuries that can have permanent, overarching consequences. While every spinal cord injury is specific with its own set of circumstances, there are specific types of medical treatment that generally apply. If you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, you need an experienced Round Rock personal injury lawyer on your side.

Testing for Spinal Cord Injuries

While medical professionals can sometimes rule out spinal cord injuries after an accident through careful examination, there are times when this simply isn’t possible, and highly specific tests are necessary. The Mayo Clinic shares that these can include:

  • X-Rays
  • Computerized Tomography (CT) Scans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

The Phases of Immediate Treatment

Damage to one’s spinal cord cannot currently be reversed, but researchers continue to explore this possibility. Modern treatments for spinal cord injuries focus on preventing further damage and helping sufferers return to active and fulfilling lives. The process typically involves:

  • The Emergency Phase – Whenever trauma to the spinal cord is involved, it is a medical emergency that usually necessitates treatment at the accident scene. Generally, the victim’s head will be swiftly immobilized by emergency personnel before he or she is transported to the hospital.
  • The Acute Phase – Once in the emergency room, the medical professionals will focus on maintaining the victim’s ability to breathe, preventing shock, preventing further damage to the spinal cord, and warding off common complications.

Primary Treatment

The primary treatment for spinal cord injuries can include:

  • Medications – The IV medication methylprednisolone used to be a primary component of the treatment plan protocol for acute spinal cord injuries. Potential side effects, however, have recently been determined to outweigh the medication’s benefits, and it is no longer routinely used.
  • Immobilization Techniques – Spinal cord injuries often require ongoing immobilization efforts that can involve anything from rigid collars to special beds.
  • Surgery – Spinal cord injuries often require surgery to remove any bone fragments or foreign objects or to repair any herniated disks or anything else that may be compressing the spine. Further, surgery is sometimes necessary to prevent future complications.

Treatment of Secondary Issues

Secondary physical problems are very common to serious spinal cord injuries, and after stabilizing the victim, doctors will focus on preventing such issues, including:

  • Muscle contractures
  • Deconditioning
  • Bowel and bladder problems
  • Pressure ulcers
  • Respiratory infections
  • Blood clots

If Someone Else’s Negligence Leaves You with a Spinal Cord Injury, Consult with an Experienced Round Rock Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Spinal cord injuries are serious injuries that demand serious medical attention. If you’ve suffered such an injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, attorney Elissa Henry at Elissa I. Henry Law Firm, PLLC, in Round Rock, Texas, is committed to helping you fully recover on your losses. Ms. Henry is a formidable personal injury lawyer who is passionate about skillfully advocating on behalf of her clients. For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact or call us at (512) 766-4529 today.