Depending on their location and severity, spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can lead to lasting impacts on various parts of the body. In this article, we’ll provide examples of the possible ways in which these injuries may interfere with normal bodily functions. In addition, we’ll explain the value of obtaining a life care plan for a patient who wishes to file a legal claim following an incident that allegedly caused them to sustain a spinal cord injury.
At Cardinal LifeCare, we are equipped to provide crucial resources for attorneys working on cases involving patients with catastrophic injuries like SCIs. Our comprehensive, evidence-based life care plans outline the effects of the incident/injury on the claimant, the resulting care needs and the corresponding costs to provide this support over time. To learn more about our trusted life care planning services, call us at 724-487-0519 or continue reading.
How Does Spinal Cord Injury Affect the Body?
As mentioned above, spinal cord injuries can lead to an array of serious health issues. Different types of spinal cord injury may produce problems in different regions of the body. For instance, tetraplegia (also known as quadriplegia) may cause loss of limb function and movement in both the upper and lower body, along with other impacts. Generally, the higher up on the spinal cord injury occurs, the more severe and extensive the effects are likely to be.
Here are some common examples of complications which may stem from a SCI:
- Impaired body temperature regulation;
- Weakened ability to breathe and cough normally;
- Trouble swallowing;
- Decreased heart rate and blood pressure;
- Bowel/bladder control issues;
- Fertility and intimacy issues;
- Loss of control over limb movements;
- Bone loss and heightened risk of fracture;
- Increased chance of blood clots; and
- Other disruptions to healthy, normal body function.
Ultimately, the answer to “how does spinal cord injury affect the body?” will vary on a patient-specific basis depending on what part(s) of the spinal cord are damaged and how severe that damage is. An individualized life care plan can be very useful to help paint a clear picture of how a specific claimant is likely to be impacted over time given the site and extent of their spinal cord damage. In turn, this document can help to justify the patient’s current and future care needs and demand amount during trial or settlement negotiations.
Leverage Life Care Planning & Other Case-Benefitting Services from Cardinal LifeCare
If you are a lawyer working on a case involving a claimant seeking compensation for a spinal cord injury, you can count on the licensed medical legal consultants at Cardinal LifeCare for valuable assistance. For law firms nationwide, we provide objective, evidence-based life care plans and life care plan critiques, plus expert witness services and more. If you’d like to discuss the particulars of your case and how our experts may be able to help, you can reach us at 724-487-0519.
