Cervical spinal cord injuries occur to the cervical vertebrae. These are located from the neck upward. An injury at this level is one of the worst you can suffer. Those who suffer complete injuries (where the nerves are severed), may even die.
Some of the most common symptoms of acute (severe) spinal cord injuries include:
- A loss of feeling in the arms, legs or chest
- Breathing problems
- A loss of voluntary muscle movement in the legs, arms or chest
- Muscle weakness
- A loss of bowel control or bladder function
The higher the spinal injury is on the body, the more likely it is to affect larger portions of it. For example, an injury to the neck may cause you to lose sensation from the point of injury downward and affect your organs, while an injury to the lower back may only affect your legs.
How can a medical provider diagnose a cervical spinal injury?
Many types of diagnostic tests can be used to identify spinal injuries. The most common is the computed tomography (CT) scan. It creates detailed x-ray images of the body that show the organs, bones, blood vessels and soft tissues.
How is a cervical spinal cord injury treated?
Every patient is different. Depending on your health, how severe the injury is and how it affects your body, you may receive a variety of treatment options.
Your attorney can help you fight for compensation from individuals and/or entities responsible for your injury. This can help you afford any medical care and other expenses that will help you through recovery and in the future as you deal with the aftereffects of your injury.
