Treatment and Prognosis of Spinal Cord Injuries

Car accident injuries can take many forms, and some are more serious than others. Spinal cord injuries are among the most complex and debilitating aftereffects of car crashes, and treatment can be costly and span over many years.
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, spinal cord injuries are common across the United States. More than 270,000 people were living with spinal cord injuries in 2012.

Although spinal injuries are devastating for victims of all ages, they primarily affect young adults. While there are many potential causes of these injuries, motor-vehicle accidents are one of the main contributors.
If a collision with a negligent driver left you with serious injuries to your neck or back, call Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates. We know how debilitating and expensive spinal cord injuries can be, and we have the resources to help our clients obtain the compensation they deserve. In fact, we obtained what was the largest jury verdict in Illinois history for a spinal cord injury.
To speak to a Chicago accident attorney about your potential case, call us today at (800)-985-1819. In the meantime, here is a brief overview of the treatment and prognosis for spinal cord injuries.

Treatment

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, spinal cord injuries are complex and sometimes difficult to treat. However, with prompt emergency care and comprehensive rehabilitation, victims may have a chance at a full recovery.
According to NINDS, approximately one-third of people who sustain a serious neck injury will require respiratory support. Fortunately, advanced steroid treatments may reduce damage to nerve cells.
The rehabilitation program for spinal injuries combines a variety of therapies, including counseling to offer the patient emotional support. Although modern medicine has made treatment for back injuries more effective than ever, recovery still involves a long and difficult road for victims and their families.

Prognosis

According to NINDS, spinal cord injuries have two classifications: incomplete and complete. An incomplete injury happens when the spinal cord can still convey messages to the brain, whereas a complete spinal cord injury disables this communication.
Due to their complexity, spinal cord injuries often come with extensive complications that affect the bladder, bowels, respiratory system or heart. Organ malfunction and chronic pain are common. There is also a possibility that the patient will require ongoing surgery to relive compression of spinal tissue.
A serious spinal cord injury will likely require expensive health care, and its physical and mental effects can traumatize victims for a lifetime. If you or a member of your family is suffering from a spinal injury after an accident, call Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates.
An experienced Chicago spinal cord injury lawyer from our firm will examine the circumstances surrounding your accident and determine the best way to proceed. Call us today at (800)-985-1819 to schedule a free consultation.