Because your spinal cord is the highway for the nervous system to control the rest of your body systems, spinal cord injuries to the soft tissues can cause severe complications. Every part of your body connects to the brain through your spinal cord. Depending on the location and severity of your spinal cord injury, the damage can affect any area below the injury site.Some possible complications from immobility of limbs include:
- Skin breakdown – pressure sores caused by excessive pressure on the skin
- Osteoporosis and muscle atrophy
- Heterotopic ossification – stiffening or fusion of joints
- Deep vein thrombosis – slowing of blood flow
- Muscle spasms
Internal organ complications include:
- Respiratory complications – pneumonia, diaphragm exertion, breathing disorders
- Autonomic dysreflexia – dangerous rise in blood pressure which can lead to stroke
- Cardiovascular disease
- Syringomyelia – enlargement of the central canal of the spinal cord, causing loss of function above the level of injury
- Loss of function of bowel and bladder, leading to infection
In the past, many of these complications were the leading cause of death for those who suffered spinal cord injuries. With advances in modern medicine and care, these spinal cord injury complications are normally preventable with proper medical attention and ongoing physical therapy. It is important to keep up with your medical treatments and regular doctor visits to prevent these complications from occurring.If your accident and resulting medical bills are making it difficult for you to continue seeking treatment, you should contact a Chicago personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options.Our article can help you learn more about spinal cord injuries and our team of Chicago personal injury attorneys can help you file a personal injury claim. The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. are ready to help your case with a free evaluation – (312) 263-1080