Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

According to estimates, over a quarter of a million Americans are currently living with some type of injury spinal cord injury (SCI). In addition, there are approximately 12,500 new cases of SCI each year, with the number of new cases on the rise in recent years. Spinal cord injuries occur in varying degrees of severity, and individuals can experience a wide variety of symptoms, depending on their specific case.

Different Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

SCI happens when the bony, protective layer that surrounds the spinal cord is damaged in some way. This can be caused by a fracture, dislocation, compression, burst, hyperextension, or hyperflexion. All spinal cord injuries can be placed in one of two general categories; complete or incomplete.

• Incomplete SCI: This is the partial severing of the spinal cord. When SCI is said to be incomplete, it means the patient retains some functionality in the affected area. The level of functionality is different in each case, depending on the severity of the injury. More than 60% of all SCIs are of the incomplete variety.

• Complete SCI: This is the total severing of the spinal cord. A complete spinal cord injury is one in which the patient loses all functionality in the affected area. With a complete SCI, it may be possible to regain some functionality over time with treatment and physical therapy.

The location of the spinal cord injury dictates which body parts will be affected:

• Cervical SCI (C1-C8): At the very top of the spinal column is the cervical spine. This region consists of 7 vertebral levels, along with a transitional level known as C8, which is located between the cervical and thoracic spine. This area of the spine controls signals to the hands, arms, shoulders, neck, back of the head, and diaphragm. Injuries to the cervical spine can cause weakness or paralysis to the arms and the legs. This may result in quadriplegia (also referred to as tetraplegia).

• Thoracic SCI (T1-T12): The thoracic spine is located at the middle of the spinal column between the lumbar and vertebrae. This region consists of 12 vertebral levels that are protected by the rib. Because of this protection, thoracic SCI is less common, but injuries to this area can be very severe; resulting in weakness or paralysis to the legs (paraplegia) and potentially the loss of physical sensation in the bowel, bladder, and sexual organs.

• Lumbar SCI (L1-L5): The lumbar spine is located in the lower back between the thoracic and sacral regions of the spinal column. This region consists of five vertebral levels, and it contains tissue and nerves which control communication between the brain and legs. Lumbar SCI can result in weakness or paralysis to the legs (paraplegia), and it can also affect the hip and groin area, as well as the lower abdominal muscles.

• Sacral SCI (S1-S5): The sacral spine is located at the end of the spinal column between the lumbar spine and the tailbone. This region consists of five vertebral levels that affect nerve communication between the brain and the thighs, lower parts of the legs, feet, and genital organs. Sacral SCI can cause weakness or paralysis in the hips and legs, as well as loss of bowel and bladder function and sexual dysfunction.

What Causes SCI?

Males account for approximately 80% of all spinal cord injury cases, and the average age of an SCI sufferer is 42. There are a lot of reasons spinal cord injuries occur, some of the most common causes include:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents
• Slips, Trips, and Falls
• Various Types of Violence
• Sports Injuries
• Bicycle Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Workplace Accidents
• Medical Negligence

Suffered a Spinal Cord Injury? Speak with an Experienced Alabama Personal Injury Attorney

If you or someone close to you has suffered an SCI and you believe another party is responsible for the injury, you may be entitled to damages. These cases can be complicated, however, and you need strong legal counsel in your corner working tirelessly to ensure that you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries. Chip Nix, Attorney at Law, has successfully represented accident injury victims in Alabama since 1973. Chip has in-depth knowledge of this area of law, and he can thoroughly review your case and advise you of your rights and legal options.

For a free consultation with attorney Chip Nix, call our office today at 334-279-7770. You may also send us a message through our online contact form or stop by our Montgomery office.