Traumatic Spinal Cord Cyst
The spinal cord is one of the most essential parts of the body. It sends nerves from the brain down the spinal column and throughout the rest of the body. These nerves control all of the motor and sensory functions of the arms, legs, chest, and abdomen. Because of this, damage to the spinal cord could lead to severe symptoms and permanent complications. Following a traumatic injury, this is sometimes the result of a spinal cord cyst. A traumatic spinal cord cyst can develop from several causes. These include:
- Blunt injuries to the spine which lead to fractures of the vertebrae, specifically the facet joints.
- Chronic, degenerative, and inflammatory changes within the spine.
- Penetrating injuries of the spine that disrupt its protective membrane.
These traumatic spinal cord cysts could cause severe symptoms, including permanent complications. Because of this, emergency surgery is sometimes required to correct these spinal cord cysts.
Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Cyst
When the integrity of the spinal cord membrane is disrupted, the body sends fluid to this area to start the healing process. Sometimes, this fluid builds up in the spinal canal. This leads to the formation of a cyst, which is also called syringomyelia or a syrinx. While they usually develop over time, trauma to the spinal cord could cause a syrinx to develop over days to weeks. Some of the signs and symptoms of a traumatic spinal cord cyst include:
- Muscle weakness
- Reflexes start to fade
- Pressure, pain, and temperature sensation begin to fade
- Muscle spasms
- Incontinence of the bowel and bladder
Anyone experiencing these symptoms needs to see a doctor as quickly as possible. The symptoms need to be treated promptly before they become permanent.
Treatment of a Traumatic Spinal Cord Cyst
If an individual presents to a trained medical professional with the symptoms discussed above, the doctor is probably going to perform imaging of the spine. Usually, this is a CT scan or an MRI. If there is a cyst present, it should show up on imaging. After this, the treatment process will start. This entails:
- For small cysts, they might be drained by inserting a small needle into the back to drain the fluid.
- Sometimes, the cyst might return if it is not entirely removed.
- In some situations, open surgery might be required to completely relieve the obstruction.
After the cyst has been removed, individuals could require physical therapy to regain motor and sensory function throughout their body. Over time, the body’s baseline functions should return.
Watch YouTube Video: Dissecting a Spinal Cord Injury. In the following video, Dr. Dean Lin with Lee Memorial Health System discusses why spinal cord injuries are treated as trauma cases.
Contacting a Personal Injury Lawyer
When a loved one has suffered an injury of the spinal cord, this could place the entire family under a lot of stress. There could be questions surrounding the circumstances of the accident and its injuries. Families are often worried about the future as well. Because of this, families should ask for help during this difficult time. Meeting with a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento is a great place to start. Some of the benefits of working with an experienced injury attorney include:
- Having a professional, objective individual who can help families make decisions during a stressful, emotional time.
- Seeking damages related to the accident, the injuries, and even emotional distress.
- Accessing professionals in the field of accident reconstruction who can recreate what happened at the scene.
- Shifting a case to trial when required.
Reach out to a Sacramento personal injury lawyer today. You might be owed a financial reward.
Personal Injury Attorneys Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer. People who are involved in a traumatic accident might develop a spinal cord cyst as a result. This injury could require emergency surgery to repair. If you or a family member has needed surgery to repair the spinal cord after an accident, please give me a call at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly legal advice.
I am humbled to be a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and in the Top One Percent, a National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
My visitors and guests are encouraged to see our verdicts or settlements.
Please take a moment to go on Yelp, Avvo, & Google to see some of our client reviews.
:dr 0p cha [cs 747]