Our Lawyers Are Familiar With The Medical Aspects Of Spinal Cord Injuries

The spine is composed of a series of vertebrae wrapped around your spinal cord. The vertebrae are numbered one through 33 and divided into four sections: cervical (seven vertebrae), thoracic (12 vertebrae), lumbar (five vertebrae) and coccygeal (four vertebrae). Each of these sections provides stability and protection for your spinal cord; when one of them is injured – even slightly – the results can be devastating.

Complete Vs. Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries

The terms “complete” and “incomplete” refer, in part, to the severity of a spinal cord injury.

Incomplete injuries mean the spinal cord is only partially severed. The patient might retain partial function in varying areas of their body. The degree of the remaining function depends on the severity of the injury. An incomplete injury is the most common type of spinal cord injury, making up about 60% of all cases.

Complete spinal cord injuries involve a complete severing of the spinal cord. Function is eliminated.

With both of these injuries, recovery is possible, though not guaranteed.

Common Injuries

The most common spinal cord injuries can be caused by a whole spectrum of factors: traumatic birth injuries, falls, car accidents, sports injuries, violence, preexisting conditions and so much more. Here are a few of the most common conditions patients experience.

Anterior Cord Syndrome

Anterior cord syndrome affects the front of the spinal cord. It is caused when the anterior spinal artery is compromised, causing restriction of blood, oxygen, glucose and more to the spinal cord. In severe cases, this type of injury can cause tissue death. Symptoms include loss of motor functions below the site of the injury, loss of sensation (pain, temperature) and preservation of sensations (vibration, etc.).

The most common cause of anterior cord syndrome is heart problems such as a weak or defective aorta or trauma to the aorta (possibly in the form of an aneurysm or surgery). Trauma to the spine itself as well as preexisting medical conditions like herniated discs and sickle cell disease can restrict blood supply from the anterior spinal artery as well.

Central Cord Syndrome

Central cord syndrome involves an injury to the center of the spinal cord. These injuries damage nerves that carry signals from the brain to the spinal cord. Symptoms include loss of fine motor control, paralysis of the arms (this type of injury disproportionately affects the upper limbs), partial impairment in the legs, loss of bladder or bowel control and decreased sexual performance.

Central cord syndrome is caused by spinal osteoarthritis in the elderly, but it can affect all age groups. In younger patients, it is typically caused by trauma to the neck.

Brown-Séquard Syndrome

Brown-Séquard syndrome is caused by damage to half of the spinal cord. These injuries can cause the loss of movement and feeling on one side, but not the other.

This injury can be caused by a spinal tumor, acute trauma, obstruction of a crucial blood source or an infection that causes inflammation and puts pressure on the spinal cord. Most commonly, it is caused by gunshot and stab wounds.

Spinal Cord Injury Classifications

Doctors also classify spinal cord injuries by the effects they have on patients’ motor skills. These classifications include:

Tetraplegia: Loss of sensation and movement in all four limbs. Movement is limited from the site of injury down. Degree of paralysis can vary in certain limbs.

Paraplegia: Loss of sensation and movement in the lower extremities. Generally caused by injuries to the thoracic spinal cord.

Triplegia: Loss of sensation and movement in three limbs, one arm and both legs. Usually caused by an incomplete spinal injury.

Common Symptoms And Effects

• Paralysis
• Trouble breathing
• Poor bladder control and bowel function
• Frequent infections
• Bedsores
• Chronic pain
• Headaches
• Mood or personality changes
• Decrease in sexual function or drive
• Loss of fertility
• Nerve pain
• Pneumonia
• Muscle weakness
• Muscle spasms
• Digestive problems
• Problems with heart rate and blood pressure

Contact An Atlanta Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has experienced a spinal cord injury, call our experienced attorneys at Ashenden & Associates, P.C. Our legal team can help provide you with the representation you deserve. Call us at 770-394-8909​ or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation.