Spinal cord injuries can have many serious ramifications depending on how severe the damage is. This means treatment is often necessary for a person to recover full or partial ability. The Mayo Clinic explains a few of the different treatment methods utilized when addressing spinal cord injuries.
In serious cases, emergency care will need to be administered right away. The first step is to stabilize the patient to prevent the injury from getting worse. If breathing is at risk, the emergency care team will take steps to facilitate breathing, as well as to prevent shock from setting in. Shock often occurs after a serious or traumatizing accident, and it can complicate any existing injuries. Once the patient has been stabilized, he or she will be transferred to a facility with experience treating spinal cord injuries.
While spinal cord damage is not reversible, certain treatment methods can help patients recover at least some of their ability. Rehab often plays a crucial role in recovery, whether it involves physical or occupational therapy. Physical therapy helps patients relearn basic skills like walking and balancing, while occupational therapy helps with relearning day-to-day tasks and chores. The goal will be to build up muscle function so that patients can work around their spinal cord injuries. Medication may also be a part of the treatment regimen.
When mobility is greatly impaired, your medical staff will recommend an assistive device. Along with wheelchairs, which have become quite advanced in recent years, there are also electronic, voice-controlled aids to help around the home. These aids are useful for turning off lights or other appliances, which can be difficult for a person with limited mobility. Computers can also be adapted to be more usable for spinal injury patients. This is even useful when a person is capable of returning to work and needs help in adapting to their injuries.
* Please note that the information in this article is not intended as legal advice, but rather as a general overview on the subject. If you are seeking legal advice, please consult with a lawyer.
