If you have suffered a spinal cord injury in a Louisiana car accident, you may experience a number of life-changing physical and mental consequences that affect your ability to move and function. The effects will vary based on the severity of the injury. Some people may experience a complete loss of motor function below the level of the injury. Others may experience a partial loss of function below the affected area.
However, many people are unaware of the complications that can come with a spinal cord injury until they experience it for themselves. One common issue spinal cord injury victims experience is the loss of bladder and bowel control. This can cause kidney infections, urinary tract infections, and other problems. Numbness and loss of skin sensation is also a common problem. This means you may not be aware of heat, pressure or cold.
Many spinal cord injury victims also experience difficulties with their circulatory and respiratory systems. Victims may experience trouble breathing, high or low blood pressure, and blood clots. Loss of muscle tone and muscle and joint pain is also fairly common. Nerve pain can also occur, particularly in those with partial loss of function.
In addition to physical complications, spinal cord injury victims can also experience depression and other psychological problems. Learning to live with your new body limitations can be challenging and discouraging at times.
Living with a spinal cord injury is never easy, but it is possible to adapt and live a fulfilling life. If you are dealing with any of these complications, your rehabilitation team will help you manage them with the proper treatment. If the injury was caused by the negligence of another person, you have the right to seek compensation in a personal injury lawsuit.
Source: Mayo Clinic, “Spinal cord injury,” accessed Oct. 30, 2016
