If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury and you want to know how it will affect your life, continue reading. If you are in need of the help of a personal injury attorney who can assess your needs and determine if you have cause for a personal injury case, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
What to Expect After a Spinal Cord Injury
The medical staff will begin treating the patient right away in an effort to reduce further damage to the spine and the spinal cord. If necessary, they will also take steps to stabilize the patients’ blood pressure and help them breathe. If there is significant swelling around the spinal cord, then they might use steroid medicine to reduce that swelling.
If there are questions about how serious the injury is, then imaging tests such as CT scans and MRIs might be administered. The medical team will test the patient to see how they respond to light touch and pinpricks, and the doctor will test the strength of various muscles. These tests help the doctor know how severe the injury is and how likely healing is.
Rehab Begins When the Patient is Stable
Once the patient has become stable, rehabilitation starts. The purpose of this is to help prepare the patient for their life after rehab and to help them be as independent as is possible. The specifics of rehab will vary based on how severe the injury is.
Rehab teams can help prevent issues like pressure injuries and help the patient understand when it is time to call a doctor, exercise the muscles to keep them strong and flexible, teach the patient how to use a wheelchair, show patients how to eat balanced diets that keep them healthy and keep their weight managed,
What to Expect in an Ongoing Basis
The patient can expect that they are likely to have some permanent changes to their body and/or mobility but can still live full and rewarding lives. Many people who suffer this injury can work, drive, play sports, and continue growing their life.
All of that said, adapting to life with a spinal cord injury can be hard. It can lead to feelings of anger, sadness, and grief. One of the best ways to get a sense of closure is to make sure that the at-fault party is held responsible.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury and you require the help of an experienced attorney, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 now for a free legal consultation.
