A spinal cord injury is a serious and potentially life-threatening injury that can occur after a traffic accident. It is important to be aware of the signs of a spinal cord injury so that you can seek medical attention right away if needed.
If you were involved in a traffic accident, our Las Vegas personal injury attorneys at H&P Law can help. We represent accident victims who suffered different types of injuries, including spinal cord injuries, to help them recover fair compensation for their medical bills and other damages.
Signs of a Spinal Cord Injury
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, there are about 17,000 new cases of spinal cord injury every year. Traffic accidents account for a large percentage of those new cases, though there is no statistical data to show the exact numbers.
If you were involved in a traffic accident, watch out for the following signs of a spinal cord injury:
1. Muscle Weakness or Loss of Motion
One of the most common signs of a spinal cord injury is muscle weakness or loss of motion in part or all of your body. This could include difficulty walking, moving your arms and legs, or even feeling sensations in certain parts of your body. If you have any sudden changes in your mobility after an accident, it is important to seek medical attention quickly.
2. Difficulty Breathing
Another sign that you may have suffered a spinal cord injury after an accident is difficulty breathing. Difficulty breathing could be accompanied by chest pain or tightness, dizziness, confusion, and nausea. If you experience any difficulty breathing after an accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
3. Painful Stinging or Pinching Sensations in the Back
Painful stinging or pinching sensations in the back may also be indicative of a spinal cord injury sustained during an accident. These sensations are usually felt at the point where the spine is injured, but they can also travel throughout the body as well. If you feel these sensations following an accident, seek medical attention right away.
4. Digestive Problems
Digestive problems such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, and stomach pains are also common signs of a spinal cord injury following an accident. If these digestive issues persist for more than 24 hours following the accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible, as they could be indicative of an underlying issue, such as a spinal cord injury that needs to be addressed urgently by qualified medical professionals.
5. Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction such as erectile dysfunction and decreased libido may also be indicative of a spinal cord injury following an accident due to nerve damage in the area around the spine which controls sexual function and sensation in men and women alike. If you experience any sudden changes in your sexual function after an accident, it is important to get checked out by a qualified professional who may help diagnose and treat any underlying issues related to your sexual health, which could include nerve damage from a potential spinal cord injury sustained during your crash.
6. Muscle Spasms
Muscle spasms are another common symptom associated with potentially serious injuries like those caused by accidents involving vehicle collisions. Spasms can range from mild twitches throughout various parts of your body to severe episodes that cause extreme pain that should not be ignored.
7. Loss of Bowel or Bladder Control
Lastly, loss or partial loss of control over bowel movements and urination are additional signs that may indicate you have suffered from some sort of trauma due to vehicle accidents. This type of problem should never go untreated, so if you experience any sudden changes over control either bodily functions, make sure to see a doctor right away.
Get Help From an Attorney
It is important for anyone involved in traffic accidents to pay close attention to common signs that may indicate they have sustained a spinal cord injury or another type of injury. If you were diagnosed with a spinal cord injury following your traffic accident in Las Vegas or surrounding areas in Nevada, our attorneys at H&P Law can help. Call (702) 598-4529 today to get a free case review.
