A spinal cord injury can cause life-altering challenges. People with spinal cord injuries often require hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars in care. They may experience reduced earning potential and may require accommodations to live an independent lifestyle.
Those recovering after a spinal cord injury or supporting an injured loved one may find the medical terminology related to these injuries rather confusing. Understanding how doctors describe spinal cord injuries can help people who may need to seek compensation for the consequences of an injury.
Incomplete versus complete
A complete spinal cord injury is the worst-case scenario. If trauma severs the spinal cord, the injured person experiences a permanent loss of motor function and sensation.
An incomplete spinal cord injury involves pinching, tearing or other damage to the spinal cord that does not fully sever it. People can regain lost function and improve with proper treatment in some cases involving incomplete injuries.
Location details
After indicating the severity of the injury, medical professionals usually describe its location on the spine. The description of the injury typically begins with an L, C or T. C stands for cervical. T stands for thoracic, and L stands for lumbar.
Cervical injuries involve the neck. Thoracic injuries involve the upper back, while the lumbar spine is the lower curve that reaches the hips. There is also a number after the letter indicating which vertebrae is closest to the injury. The location of the injury influences the symptoms that people develop.
Understanding the likely impact of a spinal cord injury can help people pursue an appropriate amount of compensation to offset their injury expenses. Those trying to recoup damages generated by a spinal cord injury may need help exploring their options and maximizing their financial recovery. Seeking legal guidance is a good way to get started.
