If you have recently sustained a spinal cord injury in a car crash, you likely have a lot of questions about the future. One of the most pressing questions you may have is whether your injuries are likely to cause permanent challenges.
Spinal cord injuries are complicated traumatic injuries that differ from one case to the next. Depending on your diagnosis, some improvement could be possible.
Who heals from a spinal cord injury?
The medical diagnosis for a spinal cord injury usually indicates whether the injury is complete or incomplete. It should also indicate the nearest vertebra, which helps people approximate the level of impairment involved. Cervical spinal cord injuries tend to cause more impairment than lumbar spine injuries.
Those with incomplete injuries may potentially respond to medical interventions. Surgery, stabilization and rehabilitative therapy can lead to improvement in function. Some people with incomplete injuries see an improvement in sensation and motor function over time.
Complete injuries, on the other hand, typically do not respond to medical care. Complete spinal cord injuries sever the connection between the brain and the lower body. While experimental procedures have shown some promise in helping people regain lost motor function, you may not be able to access that care for many years until it becomes mainstream.
As you adjust to life after acquiring a spinal cord injury, you are likely to accrue hundreds of thousands of dollars in lifetime medical expenses. You may need to pay to make your home and vehicle accessible. You may also need to address lost wages and reduced earning potential. Know that filing a personal injury lawsuit has helped many people to access the best care possible and limit the financial impact of a spinal cord injury caused by a car crash.