Surgery for a Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries are always serious and should be evaluated by a medical professional as quickly as possible. In some situations, individuals might require surgery for a spinal cord injury. It is essential for everyone to understand when surgery might be needed for spinal cord injury as well as the risks and benefits that come with this surgical procedure.
When is Surgery Needed for a Spinal Cord Injury?
There are certain situations where spinal cord surgery might be necessary following an injury. Surgery may be required if:
- There is visible swelling compressing the nerves of the spinal cord that must be relieved through spinal decompression surgery.
- Bleeding is occurring in the canal of the spinal cord.
- Outpatient management of a spinal cord injury has failed to relieve the symptoms.
Ultimately, the decision to have spinal cord surgery following a traumatic injury needs to be made with a trained medical professional.
Complications Following a Spinal Cord Surgery
There are a few complications of spinal cord injury surgery that individuals and their family members should keep in mind. Some of the most common complications include:
- Pain control following the procedure.
- Possible swelling of the incision site.
- Possible infections that might develop following the surgical procedure.
- Numbness and tingling of the arms and legs.
While these complications might occur, emergency spinal cord surgery is sometimes necessary to preserve certain motor or sensory functions. Spinal cord surgery is performed when the benefits outweigh the risks.
Watch YouTube Video: Spine Surgery. This video follows patient, Frank Miramontes through his spine surgery to help him live pain-free. Warning: This video contains graphic images. Watch at your discretion.
Prognosis After an Injury of the Spine
Following a severe injury of the spine, family members may be wondering whether or not their loved one will make a recovery. Unfortunately, damage to the nerves is often permanent. Some of the factors that will influence the prognosis of a spinal cord injury include:
- The time it took to receive medical care after the injury.
- Whether or not the nerves of the spinal cord were actually cut or just mildly damaged.
- The age of the individual.
- Any pre-existing chronic medical conditions that could impact that person’s overall health.
In some cases, medical specialists might be able to help individuals regain some of their lost motor or sensory function. In this case, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists might be able to work with an individual to improve their quality of life through rehabilitation.
Contacting an Injury Lawyer
Those who have sustained a spinal cord injury in a traumatic accident could be left with permanent complications. These complications could prevent someone from returning to work, attending school, or performing day to day activities around the house. Spinal cord injuries can lead to severe quality of life issues. There are many benefits that an experienced Sacramento spinal cord injury lawyer could provide. Families need to remember that they are not alone during this challenging situation. Enlist the help of an injury lawyer in Sacramento. Your family could be owed a financial reward.
Sacramento Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Spinal Cord Injury Attorney. Some spinal cord injuries require surgical correction to prevent permanent complications from developing. You would need the help of an experienced injury lawyer if you were hurt following an accident. Call me for friendly, free advice at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400.
I am proud to be a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and in the Top One Percent, a National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
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