Treatment of Extremity Neuropathy – During the past few decades, there has been a tremendous focus on the injuries that someone could sustain in a car accident, however, thousands of people are injured while walking across the street or while riding a bicycle annually. Some statistics that have been published by the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center include:
- In 2015, more than 5,000 people were killed in a pedestrian accident.
- This amounts to about 15 pedestrians who are killed every day.
- This number is the highest in close to 20 years.
- This does not include the nearly 70,000 people who were injured in pedestrian versus auto accidents.
Those who are injured by a motor vehicle while riding a bike or walking across the street could end up with complications that impact them for the rest of their life. Some of these can even lead to permanent motor or sensory deficits.
Nerve Damage in a Serious Accident
The nerves serve an important role in the body. They travel from the brain and spinal cord to the extremities, transmitting motor instructions that help people walk, run, hold objects, write, and turn pages. These nerves also carry sensory signals in the reverse direction. These sensory signal could include information such as:
- Pain
- Pressure
- Temperature
- Position in space (called proprioception)
These signals are necessary because they provide information regarding the body’s present health condition. If these nerves are damaged, this can lead to serious medical consequences. People might not be able to sense changes in hot or cold. They could be unable to feel pain. This damage is termed neuropathy and can have numerous medical consequences.
Impacts of Chronic Extremity Neuropathy
Those who suffer from extremity neuropathy are prone to suffering serious medical injuries. These include pressure ulcers, frostbite, and even third-degree burns. These injuries develop gradually over time because people cannot feel the pain, pressure, and temperature changes on their skin. Furthermore, the reverse could also be true. Individuals could feel chronic pain as a result of their neuropathy. When someone suffers from extremity neuropathy, there are a few treatment options to consider. These include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications, such as Tylenol and Motrin.
- Narcotic medications, such as Vicodin and Percocet.
- Electric Nerve Stimulation therapy.
- Surgical treatment, such as the removal of certain nerves.
All of these treatment options have risks and benefits. Therefore, everyone needs to make these decisions in conjunction with a trained medical professional. What works for one person may not work for someone else.
Help from a Lawyer
When a loved one suffers from chronic complications following a serious accident, this impacts the entire family. This can lead to significant stress for the individual and their family members. Some of the issues that could arise include:
- The cost and frequency of doctor’s visits
- A possible inability to return to work
- Issues related to the financial coverage of severe medical conditions
- The logistics of managing a chronic medical condition
- Possible extended hospital stays
These are all serious issues that may require the assistance of a professional. Under these circumstances, it can be helpful to meet with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Sacramento. A trained legal professional has the experience needed to help families during their times of need. You and your loved ones could be deserving of financial compensation.
Sacramento Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento pedestrian accident lawyer. Neuropathy of the extremities can lead to significant quality of life issues. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in an accident, call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly legal advice.
I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
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Image Attribution: The photo at the start of this article is seen in its original form on Unsplash. The image has been reproduced here with permission/Treatment of Extremity Neuropathy.
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