Complete vs. Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries
According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), an estimated 17,000 new spinal cord injury cases occur in the U.S. every year. The number one cause of spinal cord injuries is motor vehicle accidents, followed by falls, acts of violence, and sports and recreational activities, respectively.
No matter what type of spinal cord injury someone has, unfortunately, the damage cannot be reversed. Here’s what you need to know:
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
There are two types of spinal cord injuries — complete and incomplete. Both categories refer to the movement and sensation levels a person experiences after suffering a spinal cord injury.
Complete Spinal Cord Injuries
When someone has a total loss of movement, control, and feeling in the body, this is referred to as a complete spinal cord injury.
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries
When someone has partial feeling or some sensory and motor control, this is referred to as an incomplete spinal cord injury.
Studies have found that people with an incomplete spinal cord injury have better odds of recovering their motor and sensory functions than those with a complete spinal cord injury.
Spinal Cord Injury Symptoms
Someone with a severe spinal cord injury may experience the following symptoms:
- Extreme pain or pressure in the back, neck, or head.
- Paralysis or weakness on any part of the body.
- Tingling, numbness, or loss of sensation in the hands, fingers, feet, or toes.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control.
- Walking or balance difficulties.
- Respiratory issues/breathing problems.
After an accident, it’s critical to seek medical attention as soon as possible. In some cases, symptoms of a spinal cord injury may not show up immediately.
Suffered a Spinal Cord Injury? We are Here for You.
Spinal cord injuries are serious and irreversible, and when it’s due to an accident that could have been prevented, it can make the experience that much more harrowing. When it comes to negligent acts that cause harm, our Philadelphia personal injury lawyers are here to help you seek justice.
We work with leading experts that include doctors and other legal professionals to investigate and prepare client cases and ensure the best possible outcome. The Villari Firm, PLLC spares no expense when it comes to helping our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
Contact The Villari Firm, PLLC at 215-372-8889 to schedule a free consultation today.
