Initial prognosis after a spinal cord injury may seem bleak. Many car accident victims are dealt a rough hand, left with paraplegia, quadriplegia, or other devastating mobility restrictions. The good news is that nothing is for certain — and with so many spinal cord injury resources being geared towards researching a cure for paralysis, victims and their families always have hope.
Spinal Cord Injury Treatment Plans
Treatment after a car accident spine injury usually requires a team of medical professionals who are experts in the field of spinal injury treatment. Early treatment is a key factor in minimizing the overall effects.
Damage is usually determined by the point of impact on the spine. Extensive testing through physical examination and advanced imaging is needed to assess the damage and evaluate the patient’s unique needs. In many cases, victims will be referred to a special SCI hospital that is designated by the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research.
Treatment will depend on whether the injury is complete, where paralysis and loss of feeling occurs below the injury site, or incomplete, where there is limited function below the point of impact. Injury victims may participate in several different forms of treatment to improve function and reach a healthy mental state, including:
- Surgery
- Traction
- Physical rehabilitation
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech/language therapy
- Psychological counseling
- Medication to improve nerve function
- Experimental nerve regeneration
- Electrical stimulation devices
- Robotic gait training
Many spine injury professionals report that the will of the patient, along with a strong support network, is a key factor in realizing improvement. Patients must be open to treatment recommendations and willing to do the hard work involved in rehabilitation.
Affording Spine Injury Treatment
Spine injury victims may require adaptive living equipment, such as wheelchairs, modifications to their home, and special equipment to assist with speaking, breathing, and other tasks. Some patients require urologic care for bowel/bladder dysfunction. A small percentage of spine injury victims will require placement in a permanent care facility, requiring a sizable financial commitment.
Regardless of the treatment needs of your loved one, an experienced personal injury attorney from this online legal directory can help your family secure money damages to pay for medical care. From testing and medication to complex surgeries and other specialized medical care, your spine injury lawyers will work hard for ample compensation so you can afford the very best spinal injury treatment available.
If you or a member of your family has been seriously hurt, please click here to find a spinal cord injury law firm today.