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Rob Ammons
An injury to the spine can damage vital nerves that help you walk, use
your arms, and perform everyday functions that so many take for granted.
Victims of spinal cord injuries may in one day lose their ability to
perform their jobs, to care for their families, and to enjoy their
favorite pastimes.
Spinal cord injuries
often happen as a result of a traumatic accident. A veering
18-wheeler, a falling construction beam, or even a wet floor can cause
the kind of impact that leaves someone paralyzed for life.
For the vast majority of people, treatment costs can simply be too much
to take on. In one year alone, many families accumulate $300,000,
$500,000, even $800,000 or more in treatment costs. Spinal cord
surgeries are extremely expensive, not to mention the yearly treatment
needed. A spinal cord injury victim will often need a lifetime of
specialized medical care.
If a serious accident has left you or your family with mounting medical
bills and an uncertain future, you have recourse. Many times, these
injuries stem from someone else's error. It isn't rare for individuals
to suffer the adverse effects of a spinal cord injury
through no fault of their own. Perhaps a car tire was made poorly and
sold to the public even when a company knew of its dangers. Or maybe a
construction company didn't follow its own safety procedures, in an
effort to cut operating costs.
About Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury (SCI) damages the nerve roots that control the
body's movements and sensation. Causes of spinal cord injuries include
accident trauma, developmental disorders, tumors, and diseases. Though
there is currently no cure for spinal cord injuries, many people
experience improved motor function thanks to effective treatment and
rehabilitation.
Spinal Cord Injuries
can be life-altering, not for only the injured person, but for family
and friends as well. Sometimes, a family's primary income provider
suddenly loses the ability to work. Meanwhile, family members may need
to put aside their own careers and provide full-time care for an SCI
victim.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Approximately 40 million people in the United States experience spinal
cord injuries each year. Fortunately, only a fraction of these cases
warrant hospitalization. (Lesser spinal cord injuries include whiplash
and injuries that cause temporary loss of function.)
There are many different types of severe Spinal Cord Injury, each with
distinct characteristics. Doctors determine the type of SCI through a
combination of X-rays, CT Scans, MRI, and Myelography (x-ray after
injection dye is used).
Depending on the injury, some patients can recover function, so SCI
classifications are not necessarily permanent.
The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA), in conjunction with
leading medical experts, has refined the classification system which is
used by most medical organizations.
The following is a breakdown of the
specific criteria used by ASIA and doctors.
Complete Spinal Cord Injury
This type of spinal cord injury is, as the name infers, the most
debilitating. Most complete spinal cord injuries result in paraplegia or
quadriplegia/tetraplegia. With time, some complete SCI victims may
recover some motor functions.
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
Incomplete SCI encompasses several different complications. Injury
victims typically retain varying levels of movement and function below
the location of their injury. Doctors tend to examine whether patients
have enough mobility to provide force against objects, or if patients
can only lift their limbs against gravity.
Other classifications for incomplete SCI include:
Impairment Scale
The American Spinal Cord Injury Association further classifies SCI under
the letters A-E.
Motor and Sensory Levels
Your spine consists of vertebrae intertwined with nerves that control
different bodily functions. An alpha numerical system classifies the
specific vertebrae and muscle function affected by the injury.
These are as follows:
Keep in mind that an injury to one
area of the spinal cord tends
to affect the entire body from that point below. So injuries to the
neck-level cervical vertebrae (C-1 to C-7) can be the most dangerous of
all. Injuries to the C-4 may result in quadriplegia, or a loss of motor
function in the legs and arms. Injuries to the higher up C-1 or C-2
could result in breathing difficulties.
Health Issues resulting from SCI
The human spinal cord is an extremely delicate and complicated system.
Damage to any part of it may cause impairments from temporary loss of
sensation to complete limb paralysis. A severe spinal cord injury will
affect different functions of your body, depending on the extent and
location of the injury.
Paralysis
Paralysis refers to the complete loss of muscle function in one or more
areas of the body. Most cases of paralysis are caused by direct injury
to the spinal cord and the central nervous system.
Nerves that control much of the body's function use the spinal cord as a
sort of pathway, sending messages from the brain to various muscle
systems. Different segments of the spinal cord control different muscle
functions and sensory skills. So damage to lower segments of the spine
could result in paralysis of the legs, while damage to upper segments of
the spine can also result in paralysis of the arms.
Paralysis can be a temporary or permanent state. The extent of the nerve
damage and the placement of the lesion (injury) are among factors that
determine if the condition is permanent.
Paraplegia
Roughly 11,000 people each year are diagnosed with paraplegia.
Paraplegia is generally the result of a spinal cord injury, birth
defect, or degenerative disease. This life-altering condition refers to
the loss of function in one's lower extremities due to spinal cord
injury. This typically includes the legs and trunk area, though the
level of function loss can differ.
Different sections of your spinal cord are responsible for controlling
specific bodily sensations and functions. The sections that can result
in paraplegia if damaged are the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions.
On the human body, this would roughly range from the middle of the
shoulder blades to the top of the pelvis.
Complete Paraplegia
Contrary to what many people think, "complete" paraplegia does not imply
that the spinal cord was severed. Complete paraplegia means that
function at the T-1 level of the spinal cord or below is limited or
absent. Also, despite what the name implies, "complete" paraplegia does
not necessarily mean that all function is lost.
In severe instances of complete
paraplegia, respiratory function may become complicated. This can
require the use of a ventilator. In other cases, paraplegia may result
in sleep apnea, which can cause abnormal breathing patterns at night.
Incomplete Paraplegia
When a person has incomplete paraplegia, they experience a partial loss
of sensory and motor functions to their lower body.
In some cases, individuals with complete paraplegia will regain sensory
and bodily function to the affected regions. Their symptoms will be
diagnosed as incomplete paraplegia instead. However, it is currently not
possible for doctors to predict gains in function for those with
paraplegia.
Complications
The spinal cord is the central pathway that many important signals use
to travel throughout the body. A severe spinal cord injury can lead to
complications beyond the loss of lower bodily function.
Fortunately, the current medical treatment and prevention practices can
minimize some of the effects that would have been life threatening
decades ago.
Common complications for those with paraplegia, both complete and
incomplete, include:
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for paraplegia. Short term
treatment is geared towards preserving function of the spine. This
includes surgery and immediate rehabilitation, which is intended to
reduce the swelling of tissue. Each spinal cord injury
case is different; therefore treatment is tailored towards the
patient's specific symptoms.
Many patients with paraplegia end up using a wheelchair for their entire
lives. However, some patients can use leg braces, which allow for
greater freedom of movement. Some people regain enough muscle control to
walk with a cane or otherwise unassisted.
Long term treatment is intended to allow the patient to regain function.
Physical and emotional therapy is used to help the patient adjust to
everyday life again. Studies have shown that the best hope for recovery
includes early physical therapy.
Quadriplegia and Spinal Cord Injury (Also known as Tetraplegia)
Quadriplegia is partial or complete paralysis that affects both the arms
and the legs. It typically results from injuries to vertebrae near the
neck (cervical vertebrae). By contrast, paraplegia only affects the
lower extremities of the body, notably the legs.
While the spinal cord is protected by bones called vertebrae, it can be
put at risk through trauma or disease. Patients that experience damage
to their upper back or neck may experience quadriplegia, and possibly
lose function in the arms, legs, trunk, and in some cases, the neck.
With injuries located towards the very top of the cervical vertebrae
(C-4 or above), respiratory function may be severely impaired. In these
cases, patients may require a respiratory machine. As a general rule of
thumb, injuries that are located higher in the spine cause a deeper
level of paralysis.
A common misconception is that people with quadriplegia lose control of
all muscle function. This is simply not true. Some quadriplegics may
lose all function below the neck. Others may retain function at the neck
area and even control their hand movements. (Hence the rise of athletic
activities for those with quadriplegia, such as "Quad Rugby.")
Causes
One of the leading causes of quadriplegia is motor vehicle accidents.
Collisions, no matter the speed, place pressure and strain on the
cervical vertebrae.
Other causes of quadriplegia/tetraplegia include traumatic injuries that
stem from sports accidents, falls, workplace accidents, and
recreational activities. Quadriplegia can also be caused by diseases,
such as polio or spina bifida.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no cure for quadriplegia. Immediately after the
injury, doctors often focus on minimizing swelling and preserving as
much of the nerve function as possible.
Treatment is tailored to each patient, as each patient will have a
different set of symptoms and complication. Additionally, studies have
shown that immediate physical therapy and rehabilitation gives patients
the best hope of preserving nerve function and for regaining fine motor
skills.
Hemiplegia
Hemiplegia can result when a part of the spinal cord is lacerated, as
with a puncture wound. This condition can be the result of disease, but
it can also happen as a result of a serious accident or other physical
trauma.
Hemiplegia notably causes patients to experience loss of motor function
and sensation to just one side of the body. This rare condition is also
known as Brown-Séquard Syndrome.
The paralysis is only in one side of the body, the opposite of the side
that was injured. For example, if the left side of the spinal cord was
injured, symptoms would manifest on the right side. These symptoms
include experience loss of muscle control, pain and temperature. This
seemingly odd result reflects the fact that nerves that control movement
cross the spinal cord, rather than run along the same side.
Other symptoms can include:
In rare cases, Hemiplegia can
develop into complete paralysis. This paralysis may be temporary or
permanent, depending on the initial cause of the injury. Hemiparesis is
a milder form of Hemiplegia. This refers to a different type of SCI, in
which half of the body is left weakened, not paralyzed.
Treatment
After a spinal cord injury, the immediate goal is to reduce swelling and
repair the injury site. With traumatic injuries, the goal may also be
to repair damage to other parts of the body. Long-term and short-term
treatment tends to be similar to other types of serious spinal cord
injury.
Other Spinal Cord Injury Symptoms
Paralysis is one of the most prominent and well known effects of a
spinal cord injury. However, the spinal cord injury (SCI) goes beyond
loss of motor function. It can cause several other complications and
problems in the human body.
Autonomic Dysreflexia (also known
as "Hyperreflexia")
The spinal cord is the main conduit in which nerves use to pass
information from the brain to various parts of the body. When a part of
the body below the level of injury experiences pain, it is unable to
communicate this to the brain. The blood vessels tighten reflexively,
causing the blood pressure to rise. Left uncontrolled, Autonomic
Dysreflexia can lead to stroke, seizure, or death.
Bowel and Bladder Complications
The nerves located sacral portion of the spine helps regulate bowel and
bladder function. These nerves are located at the very base of the spine
and affect most spinal cord injuries. Unless carefully regulated, this
can result in flaccid bladder, where the bladder functions sluggishly,
or spastic bladder, where the bladder constantly empties itself.
Hemorrhoids, constipation, rectal bleeding, and impaction can also
affect a person with paralysis. Medication, a well balanced diet, and
regular bowel routines are vital to maintaining a healthy system. In the
most extreme cases, surgery may be required to regulate bowel and
bladder problems.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
This condition refers to blood clots in critical veins and arteries.
Patients with paralysis in the arms or legs are especially at risk for
deep vein thrombosis. This blood clot is caused by immobility, low blood
pressure, and trauma to skin tissue.
Warning signs of deep thrombosis include swollen limbs and veins, skin
problems, and extreme discomfort. Treatment includes medication, special
compression stockings, and surgery (in the most serious cases). Left
unchecked, deep vein thrombosis greatly increases the risk of stroke,
heart attack, and pulmonary embolism (blockage of the lung's main
artery).
Osteoporosis
Through inactivity and lack of regular exercise, the body's bones grow
weak. The bones lose vital calcium and phosphorus over time, making them
unable to bear weight. Most people with paralysis from spinal cord
injuries lose bone density and develop osteoporosis. While there is no
way to reverse osteoporosis, medication and specially designed physical
therapy can help stimulate bone movement, helping the patient maintain
healthy bones.
Pressure Sores
These sores are the result of excessive pressure on the back and lower
body. Patients with especially limiting forms of paralysis are unable to
move. After a spinal cord injury, the pattern of blood supply also
shifts. Without proper care, the skin loses its elasticity and muscle
tone. The body grows unable to withstand pressure of sitting or lying.
Because the spinal cord injury disrupts the body sending a message to
the brain to move, the condition may worsen. Skin may deaden, grow
infected, and rupture, resulting in a pressure sore. This condition is
combated by special pressure-reducing seats, medication, and physical
therapy.
Respiratory Problems
Spinal cord injuries that are located in the cervical vertebrae (C-4 or
higher) often result in respiratory complications. The nerve pairs
located in these segments have additional control of respiratory
function. They help regulate the neck muscles, abdominal muscles,
diaphragm muscles, and the intercostals muscles. In severe cases, a
ventilator may be required to help assist breathing.
Additional complications include pneumonia, atelectasis (lung collapse),
pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs), diseases of pulmonary
circulation, and sleep apnea.
Spasticity
This condition is common after a paralyzing spinal cord injury. The
spinal cord is responsible for regulating automatic body functions, such
as reflexes. After an SCI, the signal that results in a muscle reflex
is blocked. The body, however, still is stimulated to contract. Without
regulation from the brain, this contraction is often an exaggerated
motion, called a spasm.
These spasms can occur without warning and are exacerbated by skin
conditions and other bodily infections. Regular muscle stimulation
through physical therapy, along with medications, can help lessen these
spasms.
Sexual Function
A spinal cord injury can affect the sexual function for both men and, in
smaller cases, women. While women generally have no fertility issues,
they are equally susceptible towards anxiety and depression. There are
many support groups, medical specialists, and even prescription drugs
that help counter the mental and physical roadblocks towards sex.
On a biological level, the brain sends a signal to the sexual organs
indicating arousal. This signal is sent through the spinal cord. If
damaged, this signal will not reach the lower extremities. In men, this
may lead to erectile dysfunction. Men who want to father children often
have no choice but to pursue fertility treatments.
Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation
Thousands of people in the United States experience paralyzing spinal
cord injuries each year. While there is currently no cure for spinal
cord injury (SCI), modern rehabilitation programs help SCI victims
regain everyday functionality and prevent potentially fatal
complications.
Physical Therapy
The goal of physical therapy for SCI patients is to prevent
complications from developing. Through inactivity, people suffering from
a spinal cord injury can develop severe skin complications, blood
clots, bone deficiencies, spasticity, and a host of other issues.
Physical therapy also gives patients the chance to recover some muscle
function. While full recoveries are rare, it is possible for a patient
to regain fine motor skills and function by strengthening muscles.
An effective physical therapy regimen is coordinated by an
interdisciplinary team of medical experts. This typically includes
specialists in pulmonary medicine, rehabilitation, internal medicine,
neurology, neuropsychology, nutrition, and psychology. These specialists
may work together to help a patient regain function through daily and
weekly sessions.
Common practices in physical therapy include:
The ideal rehabilitation program is tailored to the patient's individual needs. It incorporates the patient's specific form of paralysis, medicinal history, and practical goals. When choosing a rehabilitation center, seek ones that offer a well-rounded approach to long-term care.
Assistive Devices
A wide array of devices may help people with paralysis complete basic
functions. These devices include everything from communication software
to the following:
Counseling
Feelings of hopelessness and depression are common and perfectly normal after a traumatic SCI injury. Support groups, behavioral therapy, and individual therapy can be invaluable in a person's recovery.
September 7, 2010
On Labor Day: Remember Workers Safety
This Labor Day, America is facing a dizzying array of problems, none more acute than the twin crises of how poorly we treat our workers . In case anyone forgot, let's remember some of this year's grisly headlines:
* "Massey Accident, Worst Since 1970, Claims 29 Miners"
* "Families bid farewell to 11 men killed in Gulf rig explosion"
* "5 workers killed in explosion at Middleton, Conn., power plant"
Filed under Workplace Accident Injury Click here for more
September 3, 2010
Complaints Ignored, Ex-Egg Farm Workers Say
U.S. Agriculture Department employees working full-time at two Iowa egg farms at the center of a salmonella outbreak and massive recall ignored complaints about conditions at one site, two former employees say.
Filed under Product Defects Click here for more
September 1, 2010
Older Jeep Grand Cherokees Being Investigated for Fuel Tank Defects
AutoBlog has an interesting post today about a study of some Jeep Grand Cherokees for a particular fuel tank defect .The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation into 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees over concerns that their rear-mounted gas tank may be prone to rupture in the event of an accident. The agency has recorded 44 instances where a ruptured fuel tank may have contributed to a total of 55 deaths resulting from fire.
Filed under Product Defects Click here for more
August 30, 2010
Should Shippers Share Blame in Trucking Accidents?
Whenever someone is
injured on the highway and a truck is involved often the driver
shoulders the lions share of the blame or the owner of the truck.
But what about the shipper? Should it bear any responsibility in cases involving an unsafe piece of equipment or unqualified driver?
Filed under Trucking Accidents Click here for more
August 26, 2010
Major Meat Recall in U.S. Announced
(CNN) -- Zemco Industries in Buffalo, New York, has recalled approximately 380,000 pounds of deli meat that may be contaminated with bacteria that can cause a potentially fatal disease, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Monday.
Filed under Product Defects Click here for more
August 10, 2010
Honda is Recalling 400K Vehicles
WASHINGTON (AP) - Honda Motor Co. is recalling the popular Accord and Civic passenger cars from the 2003 model year to address problems with an ignition switch that could allow the key to be removed without the transmission being shifted into park.
Filed under Product Defects Click here for more
August 9, 2010
CBS News Talks to Rob Ammons About New School Bus Seat Belt Law
Christopher Reeve Foundation Making Strides for Victims of SCI
Even though Christopher Reeve , arguably one of the most famous survivors of spinal cord injury , is no longer with us, his legacy lives on through the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. One of his foundation projects builds on the findings of another member, Dr. Reggie Edgerton who in his research into the effects of activity and locomotor training on recovery discovered that the production of two neurotrophins or growth factors -- NT-3 and BDNF -- increased after training.
Filed under Spinal Cord Injury Click here for more
US Truck Safety Check Figures Announced
US - CANADA - MEXICO - Results from the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's (CVSA) Roadcheck 2010 are a reliable indicator as to the attitude of truck and bus drivers and operators and the figures show that the industry is maintaining the state of health it achieved last year when the statistics showed record low ‘out-of-service' rates.
Filed under Trucking accidents attorney Click here for more
July 2, 2010
Tire Defect Attorney Bennett Midlo Talks to Fox News About the Dangers of Aging Tires
Ammons Law Firm attorney Bennett Midlo appeared on Fox news this morning to talk about the dangers of aging tires and how to determine if your tires are too old to drive on this holiday weekend.
Click here to watch the news clip.
Filed under Tire Defects Click here for more
June 9, 2010
Plant explosion attorney Rob Ammons talks to Fox news about his landmark $82.5 million dollar verdict for the family of a man killed in a Cleburne natural gas explosion
June 7, 2010
Natural Gas Facility Explodes Near Cleburne, In Johnson County
A natural gas facility has exploded near Cleburne in Johnson County killing three, according to the Cleburne city manager.
At least 10 people are missing, he said.
A lot of people have been transported to hospital with burn injuries.
June 7, 2010
Rough Ride for Bus Safety

According to the Houston Chronicle , Metro buses were involved in more than 1,000 collisions last year — hundreds of which were deemed preventable or resulted in damages and injuries to riders, drivers and pedestrians.
June 3, 2010
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May 31, 2010
Car Tire Defect Lawyer Rob Ammons Tells CBS News Tires At Risk on Memorial Day