• 12
  • December
    2011

Sustaining a spinal cord injury is a traumatic and life-changing event that often results in permanent paralysis. These types of injuries occur in a number of fashions including auto accidents.

The primary issue associated with paralysis is a lack of voluntary control of the body's muscles, a common consequence of which is the inability to walk. In addition to lack of muscle control, a variety of secondary issues related to SCIs can profoundly affect a paralysis victim's health and lifestyle. The parts of the body that are affected by these secondary issues, and to what degree, are dictated by the location of the SCI.

Blood Clots

Walking and leg movement promote blood circulation, but when the legs lack that ability, the risk of blood clots increase. Blood clots are common in the first few months after injury and whenever illness occurs. They can be life-threatening if they reach the lungs, heart or brain.

Autonomic Dysreflexia

Autonomic dysreflexia is over-activity of the autonomic nervous system. It is triggered from irritating, painful or uncomfortable stimuli below the level of injury that causes an abrupt and dangerous rise in blood pressure. Symptoms of AD may include severe headache, sweating, hypertension, slow pulse, flushed face and clammy skin.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a possible complication with cervical and mid-thoracic level SCIs as a result of the inability to cough effectively enough to prevent the buildup of secretions in the lungs.

Pressure Sores

Pressure sores can develop when prolonged pressure decreases blood flow to certain areas of the body, usually the bony areas. Pressure sores range from stage 1 (skin discoloration) to stage 4 (life-threatening complete skin and muscle breakdown).

Spasticity

Spasticity is a side effect of SCI that is caused by damage to the portion of the spinal cord that controls voluntary movement. Spasticity includes muscle stiffness, muscle jerks, involuntary spasms and uncontrollable leg movements. Spasticity can interfere with daily living activities.

Bowel/Bladder Management

With paralysis, the normal systems of both bladder and bowel control are affected, often becoming either spastic or flaccid. The most common method of bladder management involves catheterization, while the bowels are managed with a regimented 30-60 minute bowel program done at least every other day.

Unfortunately, SCIs happen all too often all across the country because of auto accidents. And, the risk increases in particularly heavily populated places like New York. It's important for individuals who sustained a spinal cord injury in a New York auto accident to contact an experienced attorney.

Source: http://www.christopherreeve.org/site/c.mtKZKgMWKwG/b.4514605/k.96D0/Secondary_Issues.htm#