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Emergency Treatment for Spinal Cord Injury
At the scene of the accident, paramedics will attempt to immobilize the spine using a rigid neck collar. They will also use a rigid carrying board to help transport you to hospital. Immobilization is important to help minimize any further damage to the spinal cord. Paramedics will help stabilize you to keep you from going into shock, and help maintain your breathing.
Once you have been transported to a hospital, the emergency room physicians will continue to stabilize your condition, monitoring your blood pressure, breathing, neck stabilization. They will look out for possible complications that can occur with such injuries, including cardiovascular and respiratory difficulties, formation of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), stool and/or urine retention.
Early stages of treatment in hospital
Diagnostic tests are routinely ordered to determine that nature and extent of the injury and the nature of spinal cord injury treatment to be administered.
Treatment is commenced, which may involve:
- Medications. Methylprednisolone (Medrol) is a corticosteroid which can help reduce the damage to the nerve cells of the spinal cord if given within eight hours of injury. It is somewhat controversial and is not used universally.
- Immobilization. Traction to stabilize the spine may be needed to help align and heal the spine. Traction may be achieved by placing metal braces, attached to weights or a body harness, into your skull to hold it in place.
- Surgery. Often, surgery is needed to remove fragments of bones, foreign objects, herniated disks or vertebrae fractures that may be pressing on the spine causing damage. Surgery may also be necessary in order stabilize the spine to prevent future problems such as spinal deformity.
- Conservative measures. Not all fractures need to be or can be operated on. Sometimes a period of bed rest is the only effective treatment.
Subsequent care and treatment of spinal cord injury
- Ongoing tests needed. Eg radiology, blood tests.
- The skin is checked regularly and a special bed is used that enables you to be turned from one side to another at regular intervals so as to prevent pressure sores from developing.
- Prevention of stiffness and contractures, and blood clots, through moving limbs by physiotherapist. Splints may also be needed. Heparin, a blood thinner may also be needed to reduce chance of clotting.
- The ability to breathe may also be effected after spinal cord injuries. The higher the injury above T12 the more severe the breathing difficulty will be. Medical staff will assist you with breathing exercises and coughing. You may be given oxygen through a mask. Regular x-rays of your chest and blood tests may be needed. Your breathing may temporarily fail and if that happens, a mechanical ventilator (respirator) may be needed to assist you to breathe until your lungs recover.
- Often the bladder will not empty by itself. So to allow the bladder to drain an Indwelling Catheter (IDC) is put into the bladder.
- The lower bowel and rectum may also be affected immediately after the injury. You may not be able to empty your bowel by yourself. Enemas or suppositories may be needed to help your bowel work.
If you have suffered a severe spinal injury as a result of an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your cord injury treatment, loss of income, pain and suffering, expenses and needs.
We have access to the best U.S spinal cord injury lawyers who will fight for your rights.
You may be entitled to a large settlement, depending on how severe your injuries are, and the extent of your needs.
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Online Resources:
The Rehabilitation Research Center (RRC) at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC) conducts research to better understand and improve outcomes after TBI and SCI.
The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis is a spinal cord injury research center dedicated to finding more effective treatments and ultimately a cure for paralysis.
Florida Spinal Cord Injury Resource Center
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