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A traumatic injury resulting in a bruise or a partial or complete tear in the spinal cord is known as "acute spinal cord injury". This injury can happen to an individual of any age, but is a leading cause of permanent disability and death in children especially. An acute spinal cord injury has several potential causes, including falls, birth injuries, car accidents, sports injuries, diving accidents, trampoline accidents, and violence (stab or gunshot wounds). Children tend to be at a greater risk for an acute spinal cord injury because of their increased activity level in comparison to adults and their greater tendency to take risks that could result in serious injury. Acute spinal cord injury victims may experience a partial or total loss of mobility and sensation, depending upon the location and the severity of the injury.
When an acute spinal cord injury occurs, the most important thing is to immediately attempt to protect the spinal cord from further damage, generally by immobilizing the victim. An acute spinal cord injury often creates a situation known as spinal shock, where the victim experiences a loss of sensation, muscle movement and reflexes. As swelling associated with the acute spinal cord injury subsides, other symptoms may appear, depending upon the location of the injury. For example, an acute spinal cord injury on the neck will affect respiratory muscles and the ability to breathe, as well as to move the upper and lower extremities. If the acute spinal cord injury occurs in the lower back, it may affect the nerve and muscles controlling the bladder, bowel and legs. Generally speaking, an acute spinal cord injury will not affect anything above the location of the injury to the spine.
There is no known cure for an acute spinal cord injury that has damaged or bruised the spinal cord. The severity of each specific acute spinal cord injury is determined by the location of the injury and the extent of the damage to the spinal column. There are limited treatments for an acute spinal cord injury, most of which focus on maintaining the highest quality of life possible. To that end, treatment for an acute spinal cord injury is tailored to the abilities and desires of the victim, taking into account his or her limitations as a result of the acute spinal cord injury. Immediately following injury, treatment options may include observation and medical management in the ICU, medications such as corticosteroids to control swelling in the spinal column, mechanical ventilators to aid in breathing and feeding tubes to ensure nutrition. Acute spinal cord injury victims may require long-term hospitalization and rehabilitation. A team of specialists works with each acute spinal cord injury patient to tailor treatment and attempt optimal levels of recovery. Rehabilitation focuses on preventing muscle wasting and contractures, and will attempt to help the acute spinal cord injury victim learn to function with certain limitations.
The cost of care for an acute spinal cord injury can quickly become astronomical, with medications, specialized medical care, and rehabilitation/therapy. If the acute spinal cord injury occurred through the fault or negligence of another party, that person or entity may be financially responsible for the costs associated with the injury. If you or a loved one has suffered an acute spinal cord injury, you may wish to speak with an attorney. There is a small window of time in which a case must be filed (generally six months to one year after the occurrence of the acute spinal cord injury), so it is wise to contact an attorney as soon as possible to have your case reviewed. Don''t take any chances with your financial future or that of your family; speak to an attorney who has represented acute spinal cord injury cases before to get important legal advice.
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