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The Link Between Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

A spinal cord injury can have devastating consequences, including pain, spasms, and in severe cases, paralysis. In fact, the Christopher Reeve Foundation reports that over 1.2 million people in the U.S. are living with paralysis caused by spinal cord injuries. Here’s what you need to know about the link between spinal cord injuries and paralysis:

Incomplete vs. Complete Spinal Cord Injuries

There are two main types of spinal cord injuries: incomplete and complete. A complete injury occurs when the spinal cord is completely compressed or severed, whereas an incomplete injury occurs when it is only partially compressed or severed.

If the injury is incomplete, the brain’s ability to communicate with the body is not completely lost. But if the spinal cord has been completely compressed or severed, the brain can no longer communicate with parts of the body located below the site of a complete injury. To put it simply, this means that a complete injury can result in paralysis.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

The areas of the body that are affected by paralysis will depend on the location of the spinal cord injury.

Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries

In general, injuries that are high on the spine will lead to more severe consequences than those that are low on the spine. For example, injuries that affect the C1 to C4 nerves on the cervical spinal cord can lead to quadriplegia, which is the paralysis of the arms, legs, and torso. This type of paralysis can even affect the victim’s ability to breathe and cough on their own.

Injuries that affect the lower portion of the cervical spinal cord may not lead to such severe consequences. For instance, a victim who suffers an injury that affects the C7 nerve on the cervical spine may still be able to move their arms and shoulders.

Thoracic Spinal Cord Injuries

Complete injuries that affect the thoracic spinal cord often result in paraplegia, which is the paralysis of the body below the waist, including the legs. Paraplegia does not affect the upper body, so victims can still move and feel sensation in their arms, torso, and hands.

Lumbar and Sacral Spinal Cord Injuries

Most people who suffer sacral or lumbar spinal cord injuries do not lose their ability to walk. However, an injury to the lumbar or sacral spinal cord could lead to the loss of some or all functioning in the hips and legs.

If you have suffered a spinal cord injury, contact personal injury attorney Martin Gasparian as soon as possible. Mr. Gasparian understands the devastation that a spinal cord injury can cause, which is why he will aggressively fight for the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation regarding your case by calling 559-203-3333 or submitting your information at MaisonLaw.com.

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